Portugal were unable to find a goal despite 90 minutes of trying as Switzerland emerge from the Stade de Geneve with their first win of this season’s Nation’s League thanks to a 1-0 win over the Selecao.
Seferovic’s first-minute strike was all it took for Yakin’s side to take home the three points despite a number of opportunities for the visitors.
Omlin was at the top of his game, making a number of important parries and clean catches in order to foil the in-form Portugal attack.
Cancelo, Jota and Fernandes all had opportunities to restore parity but a solid partnership between Akanji and Elvedi preserved the win and the clean sheet.
Starting lineup:
Switzerland XI (4-3-3): Jonas Omlin; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Djibril Sow; Xherdan Shaqiri, Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo.
PORTUGAL XI (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Nuno Mendes, Danilo Pereira, Pepe, Joao Cancelo; Otavio, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Vitinha, Andre Silva, Rafael Leao.
Goal:
IT’S AN EARLY GOAL FOR SWITZERLAND! 1-0! What a start for the hosts! Widmer is played down the right flank after a leading pass from Shaqiri, latching onto the ball and firing a cross to the edge of the six-yard box. Seferovic slightly mistimes his jump but it won’t matter as he tucks his effort away at the far post!
What does it mean? Portugal’s top-spot hopes dented
Portugal was arguably fortunate to snatch a draw in their Nations League opener with Spain, but then recorded convincing victories over Switzerland and Czech Republic.
However, they came unstuck in Geneva and were largely off the pace, handing Spain the advantage in Group A2.
With only one team progressing, Portugal may end up needing to beat Spain on the final matchday in September.
And they must beat Spain to have any chance of winning the group.
