Match Prediction: Hungary vs Switzerland UEFA European championship 2024
While Germany might be the favourites to advance from Group A, the battle for second place is wide open. Both Hungary and Switzerland have had impressive qualifying campaigns, showcasing their potential to put in big performances. This match is bound to be a nail-biter, with the players fully aware that a single goal could be the deciding factor between advancing to the group stages or heading home.
How did they qualify?
Hungary were incredibly impressive in their qualifiers as they finished top of their group and have been performing very well for the past couple of years. They did not lose a single game in the qualifying stage and are 14 games unbeaten going into the Euros.
Expectations were high for Switzerland coming into this tournament, and although they did make it to the competition, their run was not as impressive. They finished second in their group behind Romania and were only two points ahead of third-place Israel. Switzerland had one loss in qualifying, but they also had five draws, ultimately meaning that qualification was not as plain sailing as they had hoped.
Team Analysis
This Hungary team will be a challenge for any team they play against. Their midfield offers them quality and stability that helps them take control of many games, and it is no wonder they have not lost in a very long time. Their defence is also to be considered, as they had one of the better defensive records in the Euro qualifiers.
Switzerland also have top players from some of the most prominent teams in Europe who can provide world-class performances for their national team. Their players have recently made history with teams like Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen. These experiences will undoubtedly help them on the international scene as well.
Players to watch
This Hungarian team might not be full of world-beaters, but they possess much more quality than some may realise.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: This man has just played his first season in midfield for Liverpool. His form has dipped a little, but he is their standout player, and Hungary will be relying on his bit of quality
- Willi Orbán and Peter Gulacsi: The RB Leipzig duo offer further strength and synergy in the defence and will be crucial for Hungary in their quest to keep clean sheets
No particular player stands out as Switzerland's representative on the national team, and their strength lies in collective teamwork. They perhaps possess a little more star quality than their opponents, though.
- Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri: These are two key players who regularly turn up for their team when they need it the most. Granit Xhaka was the backbone of the Leverkusen side that made history last season and should be one to watch. Shaqiri, on the other hand, might not be playing in a major football division currently, but make no mistake, he is still capable of producing a spot of magic.
Prediction
Hungary are on an unbeaten run but the pressurised environment of a major football tournament often means form is thrown out of the window. Switzerland have plenty of quality themselves making this match too close to call.