The stage is set for a fascinating encounter in Group A of Euro 2024 as Hungary lock horns with Switzerland at the Cologne Stadium. While both sides will be wary of the looming challenge posed by host nation Germany, there’s a sense of optimism in the air for Hungary and Switzerland to grab that second place.
Hungary, riding a wave of unbeaten form stretching back 14 games, arrives with confidence. Led by the midfield maestro Dominik Szoboszlai and a talented supporting cast, they have a potent attack and a passionate away following. Switzerland, meanwhile, possesses undeniable quality in experienced veterans like Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri. While recent results haven’t been in their favor, their squad has undeniable talent ready to be unleashed.
This Hungary vs Switzerland clash promises a fascinating battle for supremacy, with both teams eyeing a crucial first step towards Euro 2024 glory.
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Hungary Team Preview
Hungary enters this clash against Switzerland with a winning formula and a team hungry for success.
The maestro in the center of the park is undoubtedly Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who has taken on the captain’s armband and become the focal point of the attack. Hungary won’t hesitate to feed him the ball, replicating a tactic that has proven successful in their recent unbeaten run. But Szoboszlai isn’t alone. Players like Barnabas Varga, a prolific scorer in qualifying, and MLS stars Daniel Gazdag and Daniel Salloi provide a potent attacking threat around him.
Hungary’s success is built on a strong foundation at the back as well. The defensive pairing of Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban provides experience and leadership, contributing to their impressive record of conceding only seven goals in qualifying and keeping clean sheets in their last two games.
Italian manager Marco Rossi has instilled a new belief in Hungarian football. Since taking charge in 2018, he’s overseen back-to-back Euro qualifications, promotion to Nations League A, and victories over powerhouses like England and Germany. His passion for the nation and tactical nous have been instrumental in Hungary’s resurgence.
Adding another layer of intrigue is Laszlo Kleinheisler, a player known for his exciting performances. He’s capable of brilliance, like his man-of-the-match display against France’s star-studded midfield at the last Euros. However, his form has been inconsistent. If he finds his form, he could be a difference-maker for Hungary.
Switzerland Team Preview
On paper, Switzerland boasts a squad brimming with talent. Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Manuel Akanji, and Fabian Schar are all household names in European football, making them a contender for the “dark horse” label. However, the recent form paints a less optimistic picture.
Switzerland has struggled to find the net recently, mustering only three goals in their last five matches. While Xhaka and Shaqiri are proven scorers internationally, with 14 and 30 goals, respectively, the burden of goalscoring seems to fall heavily on their shoulders.
Their qualifying campaign started brightly with convincing wins over Belarus and Israel, but their form sputtered after that. Victories against Andorra were their only other triumphs, highlighting a clear need for improvement. Head coach Murat Yakin has his work cut out to get them firing on all cylinders.
Despite the recent struggles, Switzerland has a history of performing well at major tournaments. They’ve reached the knockout stages consistently since 2004, even pulling off a stunning upset against France at Euro 2020. This experience could be a crucial advantage.
Switzerland will likely rely on its experienced core to provide stability and leadership against Hungary. Xhaka’s presence in midfield will be vital for controlling the tempo, while Shaqiri’s creativity could be the key to unlocking the Hungarian defense.
The big question mark remains in attack. Can Switzerland rediscover its scoring touch and translate its experience into a positive result? The clash against Hungary will be a crucial test of their character and ability to bounce back from a shaky qualifying campaign.
Hungary vs Switzerland Betting Odds
Hungary 3.58 – Draw 3.27 – 2.22 Switzerland (Parimatch)
Hungary vs Switzerland Head-to-Head Stats
While history suggests Hungary should be confident heading into their Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland, recent head-to-head stats paint a different picture.
A look at the head-to-head record reveals a dominant Hungary. Across 46 meetings, the Magyars boast a commanding 30-11 advantage, with only five draws to break the mold. However, this dominance wanes significantly when looking at recent encounters.
Only one of Hungary’s victories has come in their last nine meetings against Switzerland, a trend dating back to 1994. Even more concerning for Hungary, Switzerland has triumphed in the last three encounters, including two wins during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
While history can provide psychological encouragement for Hungary, recent form suggests Switzerland arrives with momentum. Hungary’s unbeaten run and strong defensive record cannot be ignored, but Switzerland’s experience in major tournaments and ability to exploit Hungary’s recent struggles in head-to-head clashes makes this a match too close to call.
Hungary vs Switzerland Betting Tips and Predictions
Given Hungary’s impressive form in recent games, we will be giving a slight edge to them against Switzerland. They topped their qualifying group with a resolute defense, conceding only seven goals in eight matches. Their recent victories against regional rivals Serbia and Bulgaria showcased their attacking prowess as well.
While Switzerland finished second in their qualifying group, their squad has seasoned veterans like Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri. These players have thrived in major tournaments before, and their experience could prove invaluable against a hungry Hungarian side.
Given both teams’ defensive solidity and recent struggles to score, a low-scoring match seems likely. The Under 2.5 Goals market appears to be a safe bet. A narrow 1-0 win for Switzerland is a riskier bet, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Switzerland’s experience and recent head-to-head dominance over Hungary could be the deciding factors.
The match of Hungary vs Switzerland promises to be a tense and tactical affair. Hungary’s impressive run creates a formidable challenge for Switzerland, but the Swiss team is not going to make it too easy for Hungary. The outcome could hinge on which team can overcome their recent shortcomings and translate their strengths into a winning performance on the pitch.