Switzerland v Ecuador – Shaqiri 10/1 Enhanced Odds to Score First

Switzerland and Ecuador square off in the opening match of group E as they hope to gain an early advantage over what could be their rivals for the second qualifying berth, with France widely tipped to finish the campaign as group winners.

And with El Tri much weaker than at some previous tournaments, there is a reason why the Rossocrociati have been made the favourites to win. Experienced boss Ottmar Hitzfeld can count on some of world’s most talented players, who also seem to work really well as a group.

One player in particular is expected to make an impact at the tournament finals and we are obviously talking about Bayern Munich starlet Xherdan Shaqiri. Having scored six goals in less than 800 minutes of league football last term, the 22-year-old is a good value to open the scoring against Ecuador, especially since Ladbrokes have enhanced the odds on Shaqiri to score the first goal from 8/1 to 10/1.