by Tom Allen
Switzerland caused one of the biggest shocks in the modern World Cup era when
defeating favourites Spain in their opening Group H fixture and now they take on
Chile.
Loss for Spain at the hands of the Swiss means they will be nervous observers
of the game in Port Elizabeth on Monday afternoon and Switzerland should not be
taken lightly by the South Americans.
Group H looked like a straight shootout between these two when the draw was
made, nobody anticipated the Euro 2008 winners having any problems advancing to
the second round, but a win for either would put them in pole position,
Switzerland in particular with only Honduras to come, and it looks a fascinating
clash.
Switzerland created very little as an attacking force against Vicente Del
Bosque's side but that was no surprise given they saw so very little of the ball
in midfield and they defended magnificently to hold on for all three points.
Excellent organisational skills look set to stand Switzerland in good stead,
it's now five matches at the World Cup finals since they last conceded a goal,
and I'd be surprised if they weren't good enough for at least a point.
German coach Ottmar Hitzfeld certainly knows the time of day and even
Phillipe Senderos' injury midway through the victory over Spain was unable to
rock the Swiss boat.
Chile sit aside Switzerland atop Group H following a 1-0 victory themselves
but they were utterly dominant against a poor Honduras team last Wednesday and
Jean Beausejour's solitary strike didn't accurately reflect the gulf in class
between the two.
Chile will pose Switzerland similar problems to those they faced against the
Spanish, Alexis Sanchez, in particular, looks like one they'll have to keep an
eye on, but with so much at stake there is bound to become a point in
proceedings where if the scores are level then both will settle for a draw and
it could very well be the case of who dares win.
Having already advised a back of Switzerland to advance to the last 16 the
temptation is to simply sit back and enjoy what should be a compelling 90
minutes. However, I can't get away from the fact that Chile look well
underpriced, only 6/5 with
Victor Chandler, and the play on Switzerland-Draw in the Double Chance
market is the way to go.
Either outcome pays 8/13 with
Victor Chandler and that looks more than fair to me in a match that neither
side needs to win.
2pts Back Switzerland-Draw Double Chance (vs. Chile) @ 8/13 (Victor Chandler)
