Word Cup 2010 Switzerland vs Chile Match Prediction : The story of the World Cup thus far – other than an astounding lack of goals and nearly every total going under – is Switzerland’s stunning upset of Spain in the opening round of the group stage. How stunning was it? Spain was a -500 favorite (Swiss at +1200) and entered the game on a 12-game winning streak - they also had not lost to Switzerland in 18 meetings - and the defeat was just the team's second in 50 games. (The other coming to the U.S. in the 2009 Confederations Cup.)Was it a fluke? Spain controlled 63 percent of the possession in the game and had 24 shots (to eight for the Swiss), including eight on target. They had a 12-3 advantage in corners. Spain's 574 completed passes were the most of any side thus far, and the most of any side to lose a match in the World Cup. It had won its past seven group stage matches at the World Cup.
But Swiss goalie Diego Benaglio was outstanding. And what’s even more amazing is that Switzerland won without injured striker Alexander Frei -- the country's all-time leading marksman with 40 goals in 73. The Swiss did next to nothing offensively until their World Cup-shaking goal in the 52nd minute by Gelson Fernandes. Switzerland's 480 touches were the second-fewest of any side to win a World Cup match since 1966. Their 163 completed passes were the second-fewest of any side to win a World Cup match since 1966.
Manager Ottmar Hitzfeld called it a “gift” and added: “our objective was to have two compact rows of players, with two up front…I told them not to waste energy fighting for the ball, but focus on defense and wait for the counter-attack.”
It worked.
The news wasn’t all good, as Swiss defender Philippe Senderos was sent to hospital for tests on an injury to his right ankle. The Fulham player rolled his ankle and was replaced in the 36th minute. Obviously his status for the next match is up in the air.
Chile, meanwhile, is atop Group H with the Swiss after beating Honduras 1-0 for its first World Cup victory in 48 years. Yet Manager Marcelo Biesa wasn’t happy as Chile missed several second-half chances to expand their goal differential. Chile registered 33 touches in the penalty area and nine shots on target from inside the box, while Honduras only had one touch and no shots.
And Chile did this without top striker Humberto Suazo. He suffered a left thigh injury in a pre-World Cup friendly but should play against the Swiss. Suazo led the team in qualifying with 10 goals.
Chile vs. Switzerland World Cup Odds:
This match is a pick’em on the goal line, with the Swiss at +125 and Chile at -160. If you wager with the draw, Chile is favored at +130, the Swiss are +210 and a draw also at +210. The goal total is at 2.5, with the under a big -220 favorite.
Chile vs. Switzerland Picks and Predictions:
Chile Will Win If: Frankly, Chile should win, and the Swiss upset of Spain certainly will get their attention. A victory pretty much locks a Round of 16 spot up for Chile (or for the Swiss). Obviously their efforts could be hampered if Suazo is out again. But this team can attack, as it lead the South American Zone in qualifying with 32 goals (and that zone includes Brazil).
Switzerland Will Win If: Pigs fly. If the Swiss win again it would be almost as stunning. With that win over the group king in their pocket, look for the Swiss to go into a defensive shell and play not to lose its final two matches. That might be enough to advance. Obviously if Frei returns that would boost Switzerland’s chances, but his status as of this writing was still unclear.