Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal vs. Switzerland: World Cup Storylines, Odds, Live Stream
The final round-of-16 match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar might just be the best of the lot.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal take on Switzerland in a battle of European sides that regularly feature in the knockout round of the tournament.
Portugal has made it to the knockout round in four of the last five World Cups, but it has been eliminated at this stage three times since its 2006 semifinal run.
Switzerland is in the round of 16 for the third consecutive World Cup. It is trying to get to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, when it was the host nation.
The Swiss challenged Brazil and outscored Serbia, 3-2, to reach the knockout round this year, and they will be a tough opponent for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo will be vital to Portugal’s success, but so will Bruno Fernandes and a few other attackers who carried the weight in attack in the group stage.
Odds and Match Info
Odds
90-Minute Money Line
Portugal (-110; bet $110 to win $100)
Switzerland (+340; bet $100 to win $340)
Draw (+245)
To Advance To Next Round
Portugal (-220)
Switzerland (+175)
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Match Info
Date: Tuesday, 6 December
Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: FoxSports.com or Fox Sports app
Cristiano Ronaldo Looking for 1st Open-Play Goal in Qatar
Cristiano Ronaldo has not been on the same level as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and other stars in the 2022 World Cup.
The 37-year-old has a single goal from the penalty spot against Ghana to his name at the tournament.
Ronaldo tried to claim a Bruno Fernandes goal against Uruguay, when a cross flew just over his head, and he was wasteful with the chances he had against South Korea.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has the potential to take over Tuesday’s match, though, and that might see Portugal cruise into the quarterfinals.
The Swiss should try to take away Ronaldo’s impact on the match and force the rest of the Portuguese attack to beat them.
That may not be the best idea with Fernandes in great form and rested after not starting the game against South Korea. But the Swiss may prefer to take their chances defending his attempts on goal rather than Ronaldo's.
The pressure is on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to rise to the occasion on Tuesday, after other leading figures such as Memphis Depay, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane all scored to help their teams reach the last eight.
Switzerland Will Take Game To Portugal
Switzerland will not be the typical sit-back-and-defend underdog on Tuesday.
The team has one of the most underrated attacks in men’s international soccer and that was on display throughout the group stage.
The Swiss went goal-for-goal with Serbia to clinch a place in the round of 16, with Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo and Remo Freuler contributing the goals in the 3-2 win.
Embolo is one of the toughest strikers to defend in Europe. The 25-year-old entered the World Cup in form after scoring seven times for Monaco in Ligue 1 this season, and he has struck twice in Qatar.
The Swiss also proved they could play a defensive game when required, as they held Brazil within a goal for 82 minutes in their second group game.
They are adaptable to play many different types of styles and can catch Portugal out if Ronaldo and Co. are caught sleeping on one side of the pitch.
A Switzerland win would be considered an upset due to their opposition, but it would not be as monumental as other potential underdog wins in the round of 16.
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