Hungary vs Switzerland Prediction & Betting Tips (15 June)

Hungary showed a very good face during the qualifying phase by not conceding the slightest defeat for a record of 5 wins and 3 draws and by quite logically finding first place in its group ahead of selections like Serbia and Montenegro. After years of scarcity, this group is asserting itself on the European scene. Let us remember, however, that the Hungarians had not participated in any Euro between 1972 and the 2016 edition in France. During Euro 2020, the 27th nation in the latest FIFA rankings fell badly with Portugal, Germany and France but despite its fourth place, it did not have to be ashamed of its performances with two draws against the France 1-1 and Germany 2-2. Note also that this selection still plays in the big leagues in the Nations League A. Last March, Le Havre's partners Nego won against Turkey 1-0 and Kosovo 2-0. On the other hand, the preparation for the Euro was not optimal with a defeat suffered in Ireland 2-1 but they were perfectly able to raise their heads against Israel 3-0. From an overall point of view, the Hungarians have only lost one of their last 17 TCC matches.

The Nati must keep very good memories of the last Euro when they reached the quarter-finals where they were lost on penalties to Spain. Before that, Switzerland had achieved a small feat by defeating France, then the reigning world champion, in the 1/8 final. This selection is always present during major tournaments in recent years where it tries to best play its role of spoilsport. During the qualifiers, the Helvetii finished in 2nd place in their group behind Romania and just ahead of Israel despite their last 4 games without the slightest victory during this campaign. Last March, Switzerland revived itself a little by holding off Denmark 0-0 then winning by a short header against Ireland 0-1. Easy winner of Estonia in their first preparation match 4-0, they then had to be satisfied with a good draw against Austria last week 1-1.

In this Euro, Hungary deplores the loss of midfielder Kalmar (Fehervar, 36 sel). For this meeting, midfielder Callum Styles is not sure of being able to apply after being hit against Israel. The coach relies mainly on a large collective led by a few stars who play in the biggest European clubs. We obviously think of the goalkeeper Gulacsi (Leipzig), the defenders Orban (Leipzig) and Szalai (Fribourg), the Franco-Hungarian full-back Nego (Le Havre), the precious Nagy (Spezia), the solid Kerkez (Bournemouth) and Schäfer (Union Berlin) and to attackers Sallai (Fribourg, 49 sels, 13 goals) and Varga (Ferencvaros, 11 sels, 6 goals) who both scored against Israel last weekend. Of course, the spearhead of this team remains its captain Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) who has failed 12 times in 42 selections and who despite heavy legs in a friendly against Israel (announced to journalists) will indeed be the part. Absent in March, the experienced Fiola (Fehervar, 57 sel) returns for this tournament. Hit in a calf against Austria, winger Zuber (AEK Athens, 54 sels, 11 goals) could be forced to forfeit this match or even the tournament. Like the previous lists, Switzerland has a fairly heterogeneous group, presenting both top players and major gaps in certain positions. This is obviously not the case for the goalkeeper position, since Sommer (Inter Milan) is coming off an exceptional season, while Kobel (BVB) can come to the rescue if necessary.

In front of him, the Swiss goalkeeper will be protected by a defense made up of two of the best central players in the Premier League, in the person of Akanji (Man City) and Schar (Newcastle). Suffering recurrently from the lack of intensity in midfield in recent seasons, the Nati will probably benefit from the sparkling form of captain Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen), as well as that, although more measured, of Zakaria (Monaco). It is in the offensive sector that the Nati risks fishing. We find the aging Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), and the hopeful Okafor (Milan). Uncertain after being injured at the end of the season with ASM, Breel Embolo is part of the list along with the recently naturalized Joel Monteiro (Young Boys). Also note the presence of Ligue 1 residents such as Rieder (Rennes) and Sierro (Toulouse) while Niçois Lotomba, Marseillais Ulysses Garcia and Nantes Cömert were not selected. Seferovic, the hero during the victory against France in the 1/8th final of the last Euro, is also not invited to the party, as are the full-back Mbabu and the winger Zeqiri.