Switzerland vs Ecuador

June 14, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Tipped as favourites to progress from Group E alongside France, Switzerland have got to try and win their opening fixture if they are to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Meanwhile, Ecuador arrive at the tournament finals with mixed feelings, but hoping the South American climate will play to their advantage.

Switzerland nearing their peak

It was not by accident that the national team started showing massive improvement since experienced coach Ottmar Hitzfeld took over the reigns, but he cannot take all the credit for some impressive results since this appears to be the most talented group of players in Switzerland’s history. The Rossocrociati showed glimpsed of quality at the 2010 tournament when they beat champions Spain, but failed to progress from the group stage, while failing to qualify for the Euro 2012. Switzerland made things right in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, winning their group with seven points to spare after recording seven wins and three draws in the process. With their World Cup squad packed with footballers who are playing important roles on Europe’s top clubs such as Inler, Behrami, Lichtsteiner, Rodriguez and Shaqiri, it is not surprising that many expect the Rossocrociati to go far in Brazil. Seeing as how the friendly wins over Jamaica and Peru proved they are in a good shape at the moment, Switzerland look a good bet to kick off their campaign with a win over average Ecuador side.

Ottmar Hizfeld ha absolutely no selection worries at the moment, and he is expected to field his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Josip Drmic as the lone forward.

Tough task for Ecuador

Ecuador qualified for their first ever World Cup in 2002 before reaching the Last 16 stage at the 2006 tournament. La Tri then failed to make it to South Africa, but made things right by qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. And while the team were somewhat fortunate to clinch the final automatic berth ahead of Uruguay, the 7-1-0 home record prove Ecuador do have an unfair advantage when playing at high altitude in Quito. Having at the same time picked up mere three points from eight away games, La Tri have yet to prove they can match some of world’s top sides away from home. Following the unfortunate death of star striker Chucho Benitez, Ecuador have serious problems up front, as none of their forwards appear to be in decent form at the moment, yet boss Reinaldo Rueda continues to use a 4-4-2 formation. Taking also into account that star player Antonio Valencia are coming off a very disappointing season, I really don’t see how Ecuador are going to match one of Europe’s most exciting sides in their opening fixture.

Important midfielder Segundo Castillo was ruled out through injury, but there are no other problems for boss Reinaldo Rueda at the moment.

Verdict

Switzerland have proved time and again they have the quality to play at this level and with all key players fit and in good form, the Rossocrociati appear to be a good bet to start the 2014 World Cup with a win. Meanwhile, Ecuador boss Reinaldo Rueda has too many problems to count and this is likely to be a very disappointing tournament for La Tri.

Top pick: Home win   2.55 (14/9) @ bet365

Alternative pick 1: Switzerland Draw no bet   1.75 (3/4) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Switzerland to win to nil   4.00 (3/1) @ Betfred

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