- Qatar have failed to win eight of their last ten games in all competitions (Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 5).
- Switzerland are unbeaten in their last five away fixtures in all competitions (Won 1, Drawn 4).
- Switzerland have conceded only two goals in their last five away games.
Swan Song for Qatar?
Saturday's FIFA World Cup, Group B fixture between Qatar and Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium represents a key test of both teams' tactical blueprint and, in the case of the sides, of the progress made by Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui has given Qatar a clear European identity, deploying his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations and a structured approach to build-up play, possession and high-pressing in the right moments. In Almoez Ali, the Asian Cup 2019 Golden Boot winner, Qatar have their most prolific goal threat and an intelligent striker who always seems to find his way into the box at the right time. Akram Afif is the creative spark, an express player with the dribbling ability to beat players in tight spaces and make the most of the quick transitions Qatar like to employ, while Assim Madibo is the energetic ball-winner who brings a similar pace to midfield.
Murat Yakin has made Switzerland a highly organised, possession-based side since taking over the helm in 2021 and his tactical flexibility can get the best out of a talented squad that can play through the thirds. Granit Xhaka is the midfield maestro, who has the vision and passing range to control the tempo of the game while also being the orchestrator of Switzerland's play, while Noah Okafor is the pacey, direct attacker who can stretch the opposition and exploit space behind the defence.
Switzerland's consistency should tell
Switzerland have lost only once in their last 10 games in all competitions (Won 5, Drawn 4) and are unbeaten away from home in their last five in all competitions (Won 1, Drawn 4). They are a tough team to break down and have conceded only twice in their last five on the road, but their attacking quality is exemplified by the fact that Dan Ndoye has scored three of their nine goals in their last five games.
Qatar will press and attack as they showed when drawing 0-0 with El Salvador just three days ago and that could lead to some chances at the other end, while Switzerland's superior quality should see them through.
