New Delhi: The Euro 2024 champions Spain will be looking to return to winning ways after kicking off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Serbia on Thursday. Despite their best efforts, the Olympic gold medal winners, couldn’t break the deadlock, firing 21 shots without finding the back of the net. Meanwhile, Switzerland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Denmark, who currently sit at the top of Group 4 in League A.
La Roja are the reigning champions of Nations League champions, beating Croatia in the last edition. Spain have not dropped a single match since a friendly loss to Colombia back in March while the national side have not lost a competitive fixture since March 2023.
Switzerland, on the other hand, lost their opening match. What seemed to be heading toward a goalless draw saw Denmark score twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory. Murat Yakin’s side finished fourth in the inaugural season back in 2018 -19 but they have ended the last two campaigns in the third spot.
Switzerland will be eager to secure their first points of the campaign before facing Serbia away and Denmark at home in their upcoming fixtures in October while Spain will be determined to make a comeback tonight ahead of their third match at home with Denmark on October 13.
Team News
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin will be forced into at least two changes for this contest, with key players Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka both suspended following their red cards against Denmark.
Gregory Wuthrich and Denis Zakaria are expected to step in as their replacements while the rest of the starting lineup is likely to remain unchanged from the team that began the match against Denmark. Breel Embolo, who has netted 15 goals for his country will lead the line in the final third supported by Fabian Rieder and Ruben Vargas in advanced roles.
In Spain’s camp, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hinted at squad changes following their clash with Serbia. Pedri and Alejandro Grimaldo are expected to be introduced into the starting XI, potentially replacing Marc Cucurella and Ayoze Perez.
Dani Olmo is also unlikely to feature due to a knock, meaning Joselu could be handed a central role in the attack. Mikel Oyarzabal, the hero of the Euro 2024 final, will also be in contention for a starting spot. David Raya is set to continue in goal as Unai Simon remains sidelined with injury. Although Rodri is in the squad, the Manchester City star is not expected to start, as he is yet to play any minutes this season.
Head-to-Head
Germany and Hungary have faced each other 25 times. Spain have won a whopping 18 times, while Switzerland have won only twice, with five matches ending in a draw. Switzerland managed to place third in their section in the last two editions, having finished fourth in the inaugural UEFA Nations League back in 2018–19.
Switzerland won the latest meeting between the two in the Nations League in September 2022 with a 2-1 scoreline. Spain are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions, even claiming the Euro 2024 crown, while Switzerland have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games and have failed to score in only one of those matches across all competitions.
Predicted lineup
Switzerland: Kobel; Wuthrich, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Zakaria, Aebischer; Rieder, Embolo, Vargas
Spain: Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Joselu, N Williams
When, where, and how to watch the Switzerland vs Spain match in India?
The Switzerland vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2024/25 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Nations League 2024 will be available on the SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:15 am IST tonight. Other matches scheduled for today include Luxembourg vs Belarus which will kick off at 6:30 pm while Bulgaria vs Nothern Ireland, Denmark vs Serbia, Slovakia vs Azerbaijan, and Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein will kick off at 9:30 pm.
Match Prediction
Switzerland’s side will be without their captain Xhaka but they still have enough fire to stretch the Spanish defence. Spain are yet to hit their stride in the competition as well making the encounter more interesting and entertaining. La Roja will be determined to return to winning ways it is expected that De la Fuente’s side will pick a narrow win.
Final Scoreline: Switzerland 1-2 Spain
Switzerland will host Euro 2024 champions Spain in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de Geneve tonight at 12:15 am. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
