Ahead of tonight’s matches in the UEFA Nations League, Group 2, Switzerland had the toughest job, since they were winless and had to host Portugal, a team which defeated them in the last three meetings (including a 4-0 drubbing in the Nations League just over a week ago). But, the hosts managed to secure the surprise win with the minimal score and provide Spain the opportunity to top the group, which they used after a 2-0 win over Czech Republic. Silvan Widmer wiped in a terrific cross from the right, and Seferovic nodded it down into the far corner for 1-0 (and the final score) in the 1st minute of the match. And that was it basically. The Swiss had only one more shot on target for the next 89 minutes, while the Portuguese had 8 all in all, but failed to use any single one of them. In fact, most of those 8 shots were not real chances.
Coach Fernando Santos decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, and leave Bernando Silva and Diogo Jota on the bench, but the squad was still too strong, with Leao, Silva, Neves, Fernandes and Cancelo all playing. Switzerland’s best chance apart from the goal was the penalty in the 13th minute, when Nuno Mendes stopped the ball with his hand, but VAR interviened and the decision was nulified because Andre Silva was fauled by Elvedi just prior to Swiss attack. Danilo Pereira header nearly found the net in the 18th minute, but keeper Omlin saved it. Jota and Silva were introduced in the second half and Manchester City midfielder immideatly had a shot saved by Omlin. Swiss keeper also made himself big at his near post and denied Guedes in the 77th minute. It was all Portugal in the last 30 minutes, but it didn’t helped, the score stayed the same and Santos’ men are now second in the group. Portugal’s unexpected loss was a joy to Luis Enrique’s ears, whose players defeated Czech Republic 2-0 and took the first place in Group 2. The Red Fury didn’t thrilled the home crowd but did enough to keep the possesion (76%), score goals, and win the game. Enrique changed 9 players from his last match, with only keeper Simon and striker Morata keeping their places, while players like Gavi, Busquets and Ferran all came in from the bench. Czechs had their first chance in the 18th minute after careless pass from keeper Unai Simon, which saw Vaclav Cerny gets the ball, but his cross was too quick and weak so Spanish goalie managed to claim the ball. Jan Kuchta had a great chance two minutes later but Simon saved it just before his team scored the opening goal. It was Spain’s one and only shot on target in the first half, as Marco Asensio got the ball from Koke and passed it to Carlos Soler who scored from close range. The Spaniards continued to press in the second half, and the guests were just helpless. It was just a matter of time when the second goal will be scored. It was eventually Sarabia in the 75th minute, just three minutes after he came in instead of the liveliest player today, Asensio, and he only had to put his leg in after a great cross from Ferran for the final score and the first place in Group 2. SundaySwitzerland – Portugal 1-0 (1-0)/Seferovic 1/Spain – Czech R. 2-0 (1-0)/Soler 24, Sarabia 75/Monday21.45: (2.00) Denmark (3.50) Austria (4.10)21.45: (1.60) France (3.80) Croatia (7.25)Tuesday21.45: (1.32) England (5.40) Hungary (12.0)21.45: (1.85) Germany (3.70) Italy (4.60)***odds are subject to change