Switzerland has all the traits to become the dark horses in World Cup 2014: a seemingly water-tight defence, a bunch of creative midfielders and some good strikers. You might wonder why no one is talking about them in the same breath as a Belgium or Uruguay. They are starting the campaign against Ecuador in a group comprising France and Honduras. Ecuador – unlike the Swiss who have lost a just a single match in their last 18 outings – does not have a great recent run.

Switzerland-Ecuador Preview

Switzerland’s fountain of strength is their strong defence. Their coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is vastly experienced and tactically smart. He was the coach in the last world cup when Switzerland caused a stir by upsetting Spain in their first match. In spite of the win, the Swiss campaign quickly fizzled out in 2010. Since then Hitzfeld has carefully built a team to take on the world. He has been aided by a fresh soccer spring in the country in which a number of young players emerged.

They play like the Italy of the old.  They are not hesitant to park the bus in their box when it is needed, and rely on their speedy forwards to launch quick counters. Ecuador’s style is the exact opposite. Their defence is inexperienced and vulnerable. Their strength lies in the attack and attractive dribbling skills of their players. One piece of statistics might worry them: they have not won a match in their qualifying campaign outside their home.

Players

Switzerland has no injury concerns. That means all their top stars – Xherdan Shaqiri, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schar and Josip Drmic – will start. On the other hand, Ecuador will miss the experience of Segundo Castillo. Their trump card will be the Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia. He will team up with Jefferson Montero, Felipe Caicedo and rookie midfielder Carlos Gruezo to have a go at the formidable Swiss defence.

Switzerland-Ecuador Prediction

Ecuador has a dynamic attack, but it does not appear sharp enough to pierce the Swiss backline. Switzerland will fancy a win – a narrow win perhaps.

Switzerland 2.50 @ Bet365

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