World Cup 2022 

Round of 16, Match 8- POR vs SUI

Preview 

Kylian Mbappe is the top goal scorer in this tournament, Lionel Messi has set the stage on fire with his searing pace and mesmerising dribble. So, what about Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the other megastars at the World Cup?

Okay, he’s shattered a tournament record by becoming the first player to score a goal at five World Cups, but since converting it from the spot in Portugal’s opening game, Cristiano Ronaldo has had a rather quiet time of it. Maybe he’s about to burst into life in the knockout stage- and strike out a blemish in his illustrious career: None of Cristiano’s eight goals have come in the knockout phase. 

The highly decorated athlete heads into the round of 16 in probably his last World Cup clash against Switzerland, which hasn’t advanced beyond this stage since 1954. 

Don’t get misled by this fact, though: This is the same Switzerland side that knocked out France in the last 16 at the European Championship last year and has become one of it’s continent’s most consistent teams. 

Portugal needs their front line to fire. Apart from Bruno, no other player has shown promise upfront. The lack of creativity in the opposition’s box is evident with the way they have played thus far. If they are to go ahead in the tournament, they will have to play together as a unit. Portugal’s unbeaten streak at the WC 2022 came to an end with a disappointing 2-1 loss to South Korea. Cristiano Ronaldo will have to pull his socks up and head into the field on Wednesday with all guns blazing. 

Ronaldo, still oozing self- confidence at the age of 37, continues to support himself to produce at the greatest level, despite his past two group stage performances being unimpressive. So far, his only goal came from the penalty spot in Portugal's opening win over Ghana.

Portugal advanced after winning its first two group games, and the setback to South Korea should be interpreted lightly considering that coach Fernando Santos rotated widely — even though Ronaldo started for the third straight game.

He'll be playing for the fourth time in 13 days, which is quite a burden for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose game time has been managed for the past year and a half at Manchester United. 

The second subplot involving Ronaldo is that he is still attempting to persuade potential suitors that he is worth investing in when the World Cup is done, despite the fact that he is now a free agent after leaving United in disputed circumstances.

Scoring goals in the World Cup knockout stages would help him secure one last big move.

Portugal will welcome back several of its key players who were rested against South Korea, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias. Joao Felix should also return up front to partner Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 118 international goals to his name.

Santos must decide whether to start Raphael Guerreiro at left back and move Joao Cancelo to right back, or to keep Cancelo there to accommodate Diogo Dalot.

Portugal hasn't moved past the last 16 since reaching the semifinals in 2006, while Ronaldo has only gotten past the quarterfinals once.

Breel Embolo, who scored twice in the group stage and four times in his past five games for Switzerland, is the danger man.

It is one of two all-European last-16 clashes, with the winner facing either Spain or Morocco in the quarterfinals.

Match Details

Match: Round of 16, Match 8- POR vs SUI  

Date: 7 December 2022

Time: 12:30 AM  

Venue: Lusail Stadium

Key Players

POR: Bruno Fernandes has been Portugal’s standout player in this tournament. He has already scored two goals in the competition and has looked lively on the field. We fancy him to continue his golden run in this game. 

SUI: Watch out for Swiss captain Grahant Xhaka. He won the player of the award in the last game. He played a critical role in Switzerland’s come from win against the Eagles. The Arsenal defender made numerous interceptions and made clever in behind runs to constantly keep the Serbian back line in tremendous pressure. 

Possible Starting XIs

POR: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo; B. Silva, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes; Felix, Ronaldo

SUI: Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo

Match Prediction

We say POR 2-1 SUI 

With so much offensive talent, Portugal seldom has difficulty scoring, but keeping a lead is frequently a challenge.

Fernando Santos's constant pessimism causes the Selecao to retreat, allowing a talented Swiss team to come into their own and force extra time. Nonetheless, Pepe, Ronaldo, and co. should just about get them over the line.

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