Switzerland National Team Preview and Odds to Win the Group E

Switzerland is one of the contenders to win Group E at the 2014 World Cup. The Swiss are the second choice in World Cup odds at BetPhoenix sportsbook to win Group E with odds of +275. They are ahead of both Ecuador and Honduras.

Switzerland got a very favorable draw in the World Cup as they play in one of the weaker groups. Group E has France as the favorite while Switzerland is the second choice. Ecuador could be in the mix but they are not a power team and Honduras has no real chance.

All About Defense for Switzerland

When you bet the Switzerland games at the 2014 World Cup you have to first look to take them under. Switzerland plays really solid defense and relies upon the other team to make mistakes. Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has tried to change things up a bit and bring in some younger players but the results speak for themselves. Switzerland had nine clean sheets in their last 14 matches including a 1-0 win over Brazil. The team simply doesn’t have any reliable scorers so they have to play great defense. All-time scorer Alexander Frei retired and right now there is no one to take his place. A defender, Fabian Schar led the team in scoring in qualifying with three goals.

Young Players

Perhaps the young players that Switzerland has can break through on the world stage but it won’t be easy. Midfielders Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri have talent and striker Haris Seferovic scored the goal that won the Under-17 World Cup for Switzerland four years ago.

Team Notes

Ottmar Hitzfeld will retire after the World Cup. He is one of only four coaches to win the European Cup with two clubs. Switzerland was unbeaten in qualifying although they played in a really weak group. Switzerland has made the quarterfinals t here times but not since 1954. They didn’t make it out of the group stage four years ago.

Schedule

15 June 2014

Switzerland vs. Ecuador, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia

15 June 2014

Switzerland vs. France, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

20 June 2014

Honduras vs. Switzerland, Arena Amazonia, Manaus

World Cup Picks

Switzerland has a good chance to make it out of the group stage but it is hard to see them going any farther with a weak offense.