Switzerland vs Japan
International Friendlies
Date: Friday, 8th June 2018
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
Venue: Stadio di Cornaredo, Lugano.
Switzerland host fellow World Cup hopefuls Japan in their last test before the clash with Brazil in their opening fixture in Russia. La Nati look to have found the right shape based on the last couple of internationals they featured. The last one saw them hold the European heavyweights to a 1-1 draw on Sunday evening away at Estadio de la Ceramica. It was the experienced left-back Ricardo Rodriguez who scored the leveller for the Swiss side just after the hour-mark cancelling Odriozola’s opener for La Furia Roja.
Japan will head into the game in a completely opposite mood. Samurai Blue generally went through a turbulent period after the sudden managerial chance as Vahid Halildohdzic was replaced by Akira Nishino on the bench in spite of a rather successful qualifying campaign in the Asian zone. The new manager did not impress on the debut as Japan lost 0-2 to Ghana last Wednesday on the home soil.
Switzerland vs Japan: Head-to-head
This will be the third head to head encounter between the two sides.
The first one was played back in 1993 and it saw a 1-1 draw, while Japan got better of Switzerland in September 2007 clinching a 3-4 victory on the European soil.
Switzerland vs Japan: Predictions
Vladimir Petkovic has reasons to be proud of his team’s defensive line which proved out to be very tough to break down even for the likes of Spain at the weekend. Switzerland shipped just one goal in last five matches across competitions (it was just the one against La Furia Roja) and they will have a great chance to keep such splendid form going and hold things tight at the back against the out-of-form opposition here.
Japan showed nothing in the final third against Ghana which is why we have to see the value in backing Switzerland to keep a clean sheet at the odds of 2.00. The home win pops up as the banker bet at 1.65.
Switzerland vs Japan: Betting Tips
- Switzerland to keep a clean sheet @ 2.00
- Switzerland to win @ 1.65.
