Switzerland and Cameroon: Preview, Lineups, News and Win Prediction


Switzerland and Cameroon meet for the first time on Thursday, as the two countries begin what might be a highly competitive World Cup 2022 Group G.

Swiss will begin their tournament against Cameroon at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

Switzerland and Cameroon

The Swiss are coming off a quarter-final appearance at Euro 2020, while Cameroon finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations.

It may take some getting used to watching Switzerland without Vladimir Petkovic on the sidelines after four successive international tournaments, as former Schaffhausen manager Murat Yakin leads the national team to a World Cup for the first time.

Since taking over in August 2021, the Basler has presided over a remarkable World Cup qualifying campaign, going undefeated with 18 points from a potential 24 to lead the group ahead of Italy.

The A-Team also preserved their place in the Nations League League A, rebounding back from three straight defeats to beat Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic in another stunning run of victories.

Despite a 2-0 setback to Ghana in their last warm-up game, the Swiss will be comfortable traveling to Qatar for a fourth straight World Cup, with players like Breel Embolo and captain Granit Xhaka in excellent form.

Cameroon, on the other hand, has battled for form since their Africa Cup of Nations success, winning only one of their past five games, against 141st-ranked Burundi.

Rigobert Song's men qualified for Qatar in a spectacular way, with Karl Toko Ekambi breaking Algerian hearts in March to qualify for their eighth World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions are really the fourth-lowest-rated team in the tournament, behind their Swiss opponents by 28 places and everyone else in Group G by 22.

Nonetheless, with attacking talent like Toko Ekambi and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has 11 goals and three assists in his last ten games, and after watching Saudi Arabia's shock victory over Argentina on Tuesday, the five-time African champions will enter this crucial World Cup opener with real confidence.

Yann Sommer of Borussia Monchengladbach sustained an ankle injury in October, but after playing against Ghana last week, he should be available from the start, even if not totally healthy.

Premier League talents Manuel Akanji, Fabian Schar, Remo Freuler, and Denis Zakaria are expected to play, while Xherdan Shaqiri will add to his 109 caps by partnering Embolo up the attack.

Cameroon appears to have a completely fit team to select from, with Brentford striker Bryan Mbuemo joining the offensive ranks ahead of the competition.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa of Napoli will be a vital force in the center of the pitch, while Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana brings true skill between the sticks.

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar: Points Table

Match Timings and Head-to-Head:

Kick off: 3:30 PM (IST), 10:00 PM (GMT)

Switzerland form (all competitions): L-W-W-W-L

Cameroon form (all competitions): W-L-L-D-D

Live Match Preview:


Players to Watch:

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting:

Eric Choupo-Moting, the FC Bayern striker, is in the midst of the most important period of his career. With 10 goals in his past nine games, he is set to be Cameroon's key offensive player. He took on tasks with both hands at Munich, and he will be expected to do the same with the National team.

Granit Xhaka:

Granit Xhaka has gone from being one of Arsenal's most despised players to one of its most beloved, and here is the story of his redemption. He has made no errors since Euro 2020. If Switzerland is to do the unthinkable at the World Cup in 2022, he will need to pull strings in midfield.

Team Injury and News:

Switzerland:

Switzerland faced a huge injury scare before the World Cup. Yann Sommer, their outstanding player, was unlikely to begin the tournament, but he is now cleared to participate after demonstrating match fitness in recent friendlies.

Cameroon:


Cameroon does not currently have any big injury worries. All players are available for the first game. However, no definitive confirmation from Coaches or other official sources has been obtained.

Predicted Lineup:

Switzerland XI (4-2-3-1):


Sommer, Widmer, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas, Embolo

Predicted Cameroon XI (4-3-3):


Onana, Ebosse, Castelletto, N’Koulou, Fai, Ntcham, Anguissa, Gouet; Mbeumo, Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting.

Switzerland vs Cameroon Match Prediction:

Switzerland has recently been on a roll and has more experience playing in high-pressure competitions. They hold an advantage over inexperienced Cameroon and are expected to win.

Prediction: Switzerland 2- 0 Cameroon