Switzerland vs Portugal LIVE Football Score 12 June 2022

Switzerland vs Portugal LIVE Football Score 12 June 2022

Top meets bottom in Sunday’s League A Group 2 UEFA Nations League showdown, as a pointless Switzerland side welcome group leaders Portugal to Geneva.The hosts fell to a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Thursday night, while Fernando Santos’s side eased to a 2-0 success over the Czech Republic.Switzerland’s chances of progressing to the Nations League Finals were always considered to be remote, but a dissatisfactory set of results this weekend could seal their fate in that regard after a damaging start to the new cycle.

Returning to home comforts after away defeats to the Czech Republic and Portugal, Switzerland hosted Spain on Thursday night but once again flattered to deceive on the attacking front, as Pablo Sarabia’s effort settled the contest in La Roja’s favour.Murat Yakin’s men unsurprisingly sit rock bottom of the rankings as one of only two sides across the four League A groups yet to pick up a point – the other being Wales, who have played a game fewer – and they cannot rise any higher before the month is up.

Switzerland have been ever-presents in League A since the Nations League came about but are surely fearing for their safety in the top tier now, and Yakin’s side could have done without this hit to the confidence before they test their mettle in Qatar.It is now four defeats and a draw in their last five matches for the Rossocrociati, who have only won one of their last five Nations League games on home soil and could desperately use a summer of rest and recovery before September’s fixtures roll around.

With one foot already in the finals of the 2022-23 Nations League, Portugal can steer further clear of Iberian counterparts Spain at the top of the rankings this week and were in no mood to suffer any scares against a resilient Czech Republic side last time out.First-half strikes from Goncalo Guedes and Joao Cancelo put the tie to bed as the Selecao continue to ramp up preparations for the 2022 World Cup, although coach Fernando Santos was frustrated not to see his side make their dominance count for more goals in midweek.

Nevertheless, the Selecao hold a two-point lead over Spain at the top of the rankings, although La Roja will expect to make it past the Czechs on their own turf, so the onus is on Portugal to avoid a shock result against the section’s resident whipping boys.While Switzerland’s most recent five games have seen them post four defeats and a draw, Portugal have instead registered four wins and one stalemate, and Santos’s side have not suffered a single defeat away from home in the Nations League since its inception.

Cristiano Ronaldo was at the double as Portugal thumped Switzerland 4-0 only a week ago, which marked a third win on the bounce for the Selecao in this fixture, although their most recent trip to Swiss turf ended in a 2-0 loss during a 2018 World Cup qualifier.Portugal have made a fine start to their Nations League campaign. While a 1-1 draw with Spain on the opening day was not well-received, A Selecao have picked up two wins in two subsequently, beating Switzerland 4-0 and the Czech Republic 2-0. It has seen Fernando Santos’ side move up to the top of the Group A2 table with seven points, two clear of Spain in second place.

Meanwhile, Switzerland have endured a torrid start in the Nations League as they have lost each of their three fixtures and remain rooted at the bottom of the table. After losing to the Czech Republic 2-1 in their first fixture, La Nati faced defeats versus Portugal and Spain, with the latter coming at home.Switzerland manager Murat Yakin will want to arrest the downslide at the earliest, with the team struggling after a fine start under his tutelage. However, with Portugal exhibiting fine form in the last two games, things could get tricky for the hosts in Geneva on Sunday night. The Hard Tackle now takes a closer look at both teams.

Fabian Schar will be back in contention after missing the last game due to suspension. Nico Elvedi and Ruben Vargas were unavailable against Spain due to injuries and are doubts for the visit of Portugal as well. Mattia Bottani has withdrawn from the squad due to an adductor injury.Having set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation in the last game against Spain, manager Murat Yakin could look to stick with the same shape when Portugal come into town. Yann Sommer is a certain starter in goal for Switzerland. He should be shielded by the centre-back pairing of Manuel Akanji and the returning Schar, with Eray Comert likely to miss out.

Silvan Widmer and Ricardo Rodriguez ought to line up as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively, from where they will have the licence to push forward and support the attack.Remo Freuler should hold the fort in the middle of the park for the home team, with Granit Xhaka providing him support on the defensive side of things while also looking to facilitate Switzerland’s attacking play. Moussa Sow should return to the lineup as the third midfielder for Switzerland.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Switzerland for the game as Fernando Santos has opted to rest his talisman. Joao Moutinho and Raphael Guerreiro are also not included in the travelling party and will not be involved.Santos might make a few changes to the side that got past the Czech Republic last time out, starting from goal where Rui Patricio is likely to return in place of Diogo Costa between the sticks. Joao Cancelo, who was on target in the last game, should continue at right-back while Nuno Mendes becomes an automatic pick on the left side in Guerreiro’s absence.