Prediction: Wales vs Switzerland

7th October 2011

Wales have nothing to play for but pride after losing five of six Euro 2012 qualifiers, whereas this is a must-win game for Switzerland, with Otmar Hitzfeld’s side looking to stay in contention for the second place in the group before the crucial qualifier against Montenegro.

Soon after players like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley, to name just a few, entered the biggest stage, Wales was given the tag of one of the most talented national teams in Europe, but we are still waiting for the Welsh to fulfill their potential and few more years could pass before that happens. Many believed that John Toshack was the main problem in the past, but as the results failed to improve under Gary Speed, it is now clear that manager is not the main problem. Many of the players that were once considered a premium talent have failed to realize their potential, with only Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey playing on the biggest stage at the moment. As a result, Wales picked up just three points from first six games, although they did beat Montengro at home. Gary Speed’s side are now set to face a very good Switzerland team in a match that will have much bigger important for the visitors and the lack of motivation as well as the absence of several first team regulars could prove to be a problem. Danny Gabbidon and Robbie Earnshaw haven’t made the squad through injury, while James Collins, Joe Ledley and Danny Collins were forced to withdraw because of the same reason.

After seeing the national team struggle in the last few qualifying campaigns, Switzerland chiefs decided to bring Bayern Munich legend Otmar Hitzfeld back to the help and they are now reaping the rewards of the visionary decision. The experienced tactician didn’t need a lot of time to create a squad with a perfect mix of youth and experience, so nobody was surprised to see the Swiss qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Even though the team failed to qualify for the knockout stages, they were certainly not mere spectators, having become the only side that beat champions Spain in South Africa. Switzerland did experience small problems at the start of Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, recording back to back defeats to England and Montenegro, but they have shown a lot of improvement since, having picked up eight points from next four games. The Swiss now need to win their remaining two games to qualify for the play-offs and seeing they enter decisive battles with fully fit squad, I trust them to beat Wales and Montenegro.

Conclusion

Wales sit bottom of Group G after six rounds and boasting a fairly limited squad, the hosts don’t look capable of putting a dent into Switzerland’s qualifying hopes. Otmar Hitzfeld’s side have been in pretty good form of late and their superior quality should help them bring maximum points from Wales.

Verdict: Away win Switzerland (2)

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill