Two of the lowest ranked sides at the EUROs this summer clash in the opening fixture in Group C on Saturday. Both sides will be looking to upset the odds are reach the knockout stages, but will it be Portugal or Switzerland that are able to take maximum points on matchday one?
Women’s EURO 2022 Preview
Portugal managed to successfully qualify for their second ever major tournament by reaching the finals at EURO 2022. They had only ever appeared in the group stages of the previous EUROs, but they ere eliminated in the group stages after suffering two defeats from the three games that they played. This year, they will be looking to go one better and make it through to the knockout rounds.
However, that could be a tricky assignment, as Sweden and the Netherlands will be expected to take up the top two spots. Portugal finished second in their qualification group behind Finland, but were put into the group stages after Russia were banned from competing. They warmed up for the competition with two wins from three fixtures, with their latest match ending in a 1-1 draw against Australia at the end of June.
There had been signs of a Swiss renaissance when it comes to the women’s game, as they successfully qualified for both the 2015 World Cup and 2017 EUROs. However, they were unable to reach the group stages of the most recent World Cup in 2019. Like Portugal, they needed to come through the playoff route to earn their spot in Group C, which they did in dramatic fashion with a penalty shootout success against the Czech Republic.
The warm-up games haven’t exactly gone to plan for the Swiss, as they have been heavily beaten by both Germany and England. Over those two fixtures, they have conceded eleven goals and are yet to score in their previous three fixtures.
Portugal vs Switzerland Head to Head
Portugal and Switzerland have met on four previous occasions, but this will be the first time that they have clashed at a major tournament. Switzerland has recorded two victories against Portugal, while the Portuguese have won once. The latest meeting was won 2-0 by Portugal in 2002.
Portugal vs Switzerland Prediction
This game could go either way, but it’s unlikely either will be able to make it through to the knockout rounds. The slight preference is for Portugal as Switzerland have been extremely vulnerable defensively throughout their warm up games.
Make sure to bet on Portugal vs Switzerland with 22Bet!
