Key Stats & Insights
- Historically, Hungary has outperformed Switzerland in the UEFA Euro competitions.
- In their last 5 meetings, Hungary has won once, drawn once, while Switzerland has won three times, with a goal difference of 13-8 favoring Switzerland.
- Switzerland is on a four-game unbeaten streak.
- Hungary’s recent form surpasses that of Switzerland.
- Switzerland triumphed 3-0 in their last encounter with Hungary.
- Each of the last three meetings between Hungary and Switzerland has featured over 2.5 goals.
- Three of Hungary’s last six games ended with both teams scoring.
By the time Hungary and Switzerland face off at Cologne Stadium on Saturday afternoon, they will already know the outcome of the Germany vs. Scotland match in Group A. A win in this match would significantly boost either team’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage of Euro 2024.
Hungary had an outstanding qualifying campaign for Euro 2024, remaining unbeaten in eight games (W5 D3). This marked their first-ever undefeated run in a European Championship qualifying campaign. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was instrumental, scoring four goals and providing three assists, while also leading in chances created (23) and shots (28). Szoboszlai’s prowess in set-pieces adds another dimension to Hungary’s threat.
Switzerland aims to continue their streak of reaching the knockout stages for the third consecutive European Championship. Among European nations, only France and Switzerland have consistently reached the knockout stages in the last five major international tournaments. They qualified behind Romania in Group I. However, their recent form is less promising, with seven of their last 11 matches ending in draws, alongside three wins and one loss. In their warm-up games for Euro 2024, Switzerland comfortably beat Estonia 4-0 and drew 1-1 with Austria.
Striker Zeki Amdouni, who scored against Estonia and was Switzerland’s top scorer in qualifying with six goals, is expected to lead the Swiss attack under head coach Murat Yakin.
Team Form and Performance
Hungary – Last 10 Competitive Games
Hungary has secured 6 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, averaging 1.7 goals per game from 5.5 shots on goal and 13.1 attempts. They maintain an average possession of 53.6% and 5.1 corners per match. Opponents have managed to score 0.9 goals from 3.3 shots on goal and 9.1 attempts, while earning 3.4 corners.
Key players: Dominik Szoboszlai (4 goals, 5 assists), Barnabas Varga (4 goals), Martin Adam (2 goals).
Switzerland – Last 10 Competitive Games
Switzerland has recorded 4 wins, 1 loss, and 5 draws, averaging 2.2 goals per game from 5.8 shots on goal and 13.2 attempts. They hold 67.4% possession, with 5.9 corners in their favor and 2.3 corners against them. They concede 1.1 goals from 2.3 shots on goal and 5.8 attempts.
Key players: Zeki Amdouni (6 goals), Ruben Vargas (3 goals), Renato Steffen (3 goals), Xherdan Shaqiri (3 assists).
Head-to-Head Records
The last match between these teams was seven years ago during the International WC Qualification, UEFA on October 7, 2017. Switzerland won 5-2. Since then, both teams have evolved with new tactics and players. Switzerland has won the last three encounters, scoring 11 goals to Hungary’s 4, demonstrating their dominance in these fixtures.
Player Form and Availability
Switzerland
Head Coach: Murat Yakin
Yakin named a 38-man provisional squad for Switzerland’s warm-up matches before trimming it down. This familiar Swiss squad boasts a strong core.
Key players: Yann Sommer (GK), Manuel Akanji, Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Ricardo Rodriguez. Switzerland is expected to utilize a 3-4-2-1 formation, shifting to a 5-3-2/5-2-3 without the ball to enhance defensive stability.
Predicted Lineup: Sommer (GK), Rodríguez, Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Zuber, Xhaka, Freuler, Vargas, Ndoye, Amdouni.
Hungary
Head Coach: Marco Rossi
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to captain Hungary. Despite a minor hamstring issue, he is fit for the opener. Rossi is set to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Key players: Dominik Szoboszlai, Barnabas Varga, Roland Sallai.
Predicted Lineup: Gulacsi (GK); Lang, Orban, Szalai; Nego, A. Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Sallai; Varga.
Market Analysis (Odds)
Bookmakers have Switzerland at 2.20 in the Full-Time Result market, indicating a 45% chance of winning. Hungary is priced at 3.40. A tight game is anticipated, reflected in the short odds for Under 2.5 Goals. Both Teams to Score is a popular bet with evenly split odds.
Predictions
Hungary may struggle to score against Switzerland, who should manage at least one goal. Therefore, a competitive game with a 0-1 advantage for Switzerland at full-time is predicted.
This revised article offers a comprehensive analysis with a fresh perspective while retaining the core insights of the original content.