Hungary - Switzerland predictions and free betting tips [15/06/2024]

On Saturday, 15th June, as part of the first round of the group stage at Euro 2024, the Swiss national team will face the Hungarian national team. Both teams passed the qualifying tournament without much trouble and have set their minimum goal to finish second in Group A.

Predicted Line-ups

Hungary: Gulácsi; Lang, Orbán, Szalai; Nego, Á. Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Sallai; Varga.

Switzerland: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Shaqiri, Vargas; Amdouni. 

Hungary

Hungary delivered outstanding results in the qualifying tournament, securing five wins and three draws in eight matches, topping their group ahead of Serbia and Montenegro. After years of crisis, this team has made a loud statement on the continental stage: they had not participated in any Euros from 1972 until 2016 in France. In Euro 2020, the three-coloured team, ranked 27th in the FIFA rankings, faced tough challenges in a group with Portugal, Germany, and France. Despite finishing fourth, they managed two draws against France (1-1) and Germany (2-2).  Additionally, the team is still competing in the highest division of the Nations League. In March this year, Nego's side defeated Turkey (1-0) and Kosovo (2-0). However, their preparation for the main tournament in June was not very successful, as they lost to Ireland 2-1 but then thrashed Israel 3-0, with goals from Sallai and a double from Varga. Overall, the three-coloured team has lost only one of their last 17 matches in all competitions!

Switzerland

"Nati" surely have fond memories of the last European Championship when they reached the quarterfinals but lost to Spain on penalties. Before that, Switzerland performed a minor miracle by knocking out France, the then reigning world champions, in the round of 16. In recent years, the team has consistently participated in major tournaments without achieving significant success. In the qualifying tournament, the Swiss took second place in their group, behind Romania and ahead of Israel, despite not winning any of their first four matches. In March of this year, the red-and-whites drew with Denmark (0-0) and then narrowly defeated Ireland (0-1). In their first June friendly, they demolished Estonia 4-0, but last week had to settle for a draw with Austria (1-1). In the first half, goals were exchanged by Baumgartner and Widmer, after which the spectators saw a rather dull second 45 minutes. Coach Murat Yakin is tasked with leading Switzerland to the playoffs, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, as the Swiss have advanced from the group stage in each of the last five continental championships.

Head-to-Head Matches

These teams do not play each other every year, but overall Hungary has the edge in head-to-head encounters: 30 wins compared to Switzerland's 11 and five draws. They last met in 2017 in a World Cup qualifying tournament, where the red-and-whites won in Hungary (2-3) and at home (5-2).

Prediction for Hungary vs Switzerland

Both teams understand that a win on Saturday would make a huge step towards advancing to the playoffs, but no one will take risks and open up from the start. The Hungarians have lost only once in their last 17 matches in all competitions, while the red-and-whites are regulars at continental championships and boast a slightly more experienced squad. I won't highlight a favourite here and will bet on a draw.