World Cup 2022: Cameroon Out to Restore Some Pride

Switzerland vs Cameroon

Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o made headlines when he predicted that his nation is going to make it to the World Cup 2022 finals to eventually beat fellow African nation Morocco.

Yes, it sounds asinine, but perhaps his wild prediction will give the Indomitable Lions motivation starting on Thursday when they kick off their campaign against Switzerland.

Switzerland are seasoned veterans at major tournaments and they’ll be competing in their fifth consecutive World Cup, so they’re expected to contend for a top two spot in Group G alongside Serbia and Brazil.

The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds are backing them to win this one, but the Swiss cannot take Cameroon for granted since the African side come to Qatar with a big chip on their shoulders.

Talking Points

Do Switzerland have what it takes?

Since Murat Yakin was appointed head coach, the Swiss reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals and they qualified outright for World Cup 2022 when they finished ahead of Italy in Group C to avoid a play-off.

But 2022 has yielded mixed results for them. After being held to a 1-1 draw by Kosovo in March, Switzerland lost their first three UEFA Nations League group stage games before winning the last three and then losing 2-0 to Ghana last week.

The form of their leaders Yann Sommer, Granit Xhaka, and Manuel Akanji is going to be the key to their World Cup hopes.

Sommer hasn’t played since October because of an injured ankle, and opposing strikers will be praying that he doesn’t recover in time since he’s their best shot stopper at 30 clean sheets in 76 caps.

Xhaka, meanwhile, is having a resurgent campaign with Arsenal with four goals and three assists this term. He has 106 caps to his name and he’ll be a central figure to their success.

Akanji is also enjoying his time in the Premier League thus far with Manchester City and he’ll be paired up with Fabian Schar at centre-half.

The only thing that’s holding the Swiss back is their lack of firepower in the final third. Murat Yakin is hoping that Breel Embolo, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Djibril Sow can provide them enough World Cup 2022 highlights.

Can Cameroon make it out of the group?

Cameroon have the same concern as Switzerland in terms of form. Going winless since June is not the ideal way to prepare for the World Cup, but they did qualify earlier this year by beating Algeria on away goals during their two-legged tie.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is in the form of his life and he’ll need his shooting boots in Qatar. The Bayern Munich veteran is going to be reinforced by the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Karl Toko Ekambi up front.

But the Indomitable Lions’ x-factor is Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who has been solid for Napoli this season. Cameroon are hopeful that the ex-Fulham midfielder is fully recovered from his thigh injury since he’ll be manning their midfield.

History

These two nations will face off for the first time ever. It’s also only the second time that Switzerland will compete against an African side at the World Cup since beating Togo 2-0 back in 2006 during the group stage.

The Swiss are undefeated in their opening game in each of their five appearances (W2, D3) at the World Cup – their longest run of consecutive appearances in the tournament – since losing 5-0 to Germany in 1966.

In their past four European and World Cup participations, Switzerland have always managed to reach the Round of 16. They join Belgium and France as the only European teams to have done this.

Switzerland shocked many fans when they went to as far as the quarter-finals in Euro 2020 after toppling France on penalties, and they’ll look to have a similar run here in Qatar.

Cameroon, meanwhile, are fresh from a semi-finals run in the AFCON. However, they’re winless in their last four friendlies.

Betting Tip

As mentioned, the World Cup 2022 odds are favouring Switzerland to win since they’re installed 1.77, while Cameroon are priced at 4.50 and chances for a draw are at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.

Cameroon can give Switzerland headaches, but the Swiss’ know-how in big games should be enough for them to make a winning start in the group stage. The combination of Cameroon’s lack of a natural goalscorer as well as Switzerland’s capability to thrive with their frugal approach should make this a low-scoring affair – making Under 2.50 @ 2.28 another bet that you should consider.

 

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