In an upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier, Switzerland will host Andorra in Sion on Tuesday night. Currently sitting at the top of Group I after five matchdays, Switzerland aims to maintain their position against the group’s weakest opponent.
However, Switzerland recently suffered a setback with two consecutive slip-ups, dropping points in the dying moments of their matches.
Their 2-2 draw against Kosovo in Prishtina saw Vedat Muriqi’s 95th-minute equalizer deny them a victory. Despite being three points ahead of third-placed Israel, Switzerland’s fate in the group remains uncertain.
To secure their spot in Euro 2024, Switzerland must face Israel away and Romania, who currently hold the second position and previously drew against them in June.
After a disappointing collapse at home against Romania, where they squandered a 2-0 lead to draw, Switzerland welcomes Andorra with hopes of securing a straightforward three points.
Switzerland has demonstrated their dominance in previous matches, defeating Liechtenstein 7-0 and Belarus 5-0 in this qualifying campaign.
However, Andorra proved to be a worthy opponent in their reverse fixture, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to narrow the scoreline to 2-1.
Their previous encounters during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign resulted in a 2-1 victory for Switzerland in Andorra and a 3-0 win at home.
For Andorra, their two points from five qualifiers so far are considered a significant success as they were drawn as bottom seeds.
Managing to hold Kosovo and Belarus to goalless draws showcased their progress. Despite suffering narrow defeats against Switzerland and Israel with a scoreline of 2-1, Andorra has proven that they are no longer the massive underdogs they once were.
With eight points from six games in their Nations League group last year, Andorra’s confidence has steadily risen.
However, they still strive for more victories, having only triumphed over four nations in the past four years – San Marino, Liechtenstein (both twice), Grenada, and Saint Kitts & Nevis.
Team News:
Switzerland will be without main striker Breel Embolo during this international window, making way for Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni to start again.
Depending on the level of opposition, coach Murat Yakin may opt for additional attacking options, including AC Milan’s new signing, Noah Okafor.
The trio of Xherdan Shaqiri, Zeki Amdouni, and Ruben Vargas started the previous match in Prishtina, while Cedric Itten hopes to make an appearance after his recent impressive performances with Young Boys.
Remo Freuler, who scored the opener and played a crucial role in the second goal against Kosovo, will also be a key player.
Andorra’s record cap holder and goalscorer, Ildefons Lima, is unlikely to feature despite being included in the squad at the age of 43.
Berto Rosas, Lima’s teammate at FC Andorra, poses the most significant threat in attack. Having scored against Israel in June and also for Andorra’s Under-21s, Rosas brings goal-scoring prowess to the team.
Iker Alvarez, the promising goalkeeper from Villarreal B, is expected to continue guarding the net for Andorra.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Switzerland:
- Sommer
- Fernandes
- Akanji
- Schar
- Rodriguez
- Freuler
- Xhaka
- Amdouni
- Shaqiri
- Okafor
- Vargas
Andorra:
- Iker Alvarez
- San Nicolas
- Llovera
- Alavedra
- Cervos
- Jordi Alaez
- Marc Pujol
- Marc Vales
- Alex Martinez
- Vieira
- Rosas
Prediction: Switzerland 5-0 Andorra
Switzerland looks to bounce back after their disappointing collapses and are determined to secure a convincing victory against Andorra.
With Andorra being the bottom seeds in this group, their chances of success against top-seeded Switzerland are minimal.
