Fresh off the most shocking result of the Round of 16 at Euro 2020, Switzerland will now face Spain in the quarterfinals after eliminating World Cup holders France in penalties.
Spain, who held off a similarly incredible comeback attempt by Croatia in the Round of 16, are heavy favorites against the Swiss in the quarterfinals. Can Switzerland shock the tournament again?
Read on for our Switzerland vs. Spain tips and predictions.
Game info
• Location: Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg, Russia
• Date: Friday, July 2, 2021
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, TSN
Switzerland vs Spain betting tips
- Spain (-150)
- Over 2.5 (-110)
Read on for complete analysis
Switzerland vs Spain match odds
Switzerland: +450
Spain: -150
Draw: +275
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: -110
Under 2.5: -110
Odds as of June 30, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Euro 2020 sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonSpain opened as a -150 favorite at BetMGM Nevada and moved 10 cents to -160, where its moneyline rests at 9 a.m. ET Friday morning, three hours before this quarterfinal clash. Underdog Switzerland adjusted from +450 to +475, and Draw moved from +275 to +260. "There are actually more tickets on Switzerland, a handful more than on Spain, but money is running almost 5/1 in favor of Spain," BetMGM Nevada's Scott Shelton said. "They're also playing Spain -1 (+120). Draw would be a winner. We always do good on those." The total opened 2.5 flat (-110) and saw the price shift to Under -120, then to Over -115. "It's 5/1 tickets and almost 10/1 money on the Over."
Switzerland vs Spain betting preview
Weather
Spain and Switzerland will enjoy calm conditions for their quarterfinal in St. Petersburg, with little rain or humidity and temperatures expected around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key injuries
Switzerland: No injuries to report.
Spain: No injuries to report.
Matchup
| Switzerland | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | World Ranking | 6 |
| 7 | Goals For | 11 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 3-3 vs. France (5-4 in penalties) | Previous Game | 5-3 vs. Croatia |
| Xherdan Shaqiri | Player to Watch | Pedri |
Switzerland vs Spain predictions
Moneyline pick
Neither Switzerland nor Spain will have much time to process their wild Round of 16 victories, with a quarterfinal matchup set for Friday in St. Petersburg. Switzerland shocked the World Cup champions in ridiculous fashion, while Spain were pushed to extra time but eventually held off what would have been a brutal elimination.
Their near-collapse against Croatia aside, Spain's confidence must be ballooning by this stage. They have now scored five goals in each of their last two matches, with snakebitten striker Alvaro Morata scoring the best of the bunch in the Round of 16. With world-class midfielders and a steady defense, Spain's attack was the only real question — and it has seemingly been answered.
Not only has Morata now netted twice and calmed some critics of his game, but his support has gotten better as the tournament has progressed. Ferran Torres has been Spain's most dangerous attacker throughout the tournament and added his second goal of Euro 2020 against Croatia, with his goals per 90 minutes now an outstanding 0.84. Barca wunderkind Pedri, meanwhile, has bossed every game from the midfield at 18-years-old, with his best game yet coming against Croatia.
To Switzerland's credit, they played like a team with nothing to lose in the Round of 16 against France and earned their first trip to the quarterfinals of a major tournament in over 70 years as a result. The Swiss' two most important players, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, appeared to be particularly empowered by the more attacking setup. Unfortunately for the Swiss, Xhaka will miss this game through suspension, on the heels of one of the best games of his career.
After the success against France, Switzerland cannot revert back to the passive side that took to the field against Italy in the group stage. While their more expansive approach will deliver an entertaining matchup with Spain, it won't be enough to bring a second straight upset.
PREDICTION: Spain (-150)
Over/Under pick
Spain's lethargic 0-0 draw against Sweden to begin the Euros couldn't seem further away. Since that poor performance, Spain have been devastating going forward and, crucially, clinical in goal-scoring opportunities. In the four matches since the 0-0 draw with Sweden, Spain have created 8.7 expected goals and scored 11. They're the only team in the tournament to create over 3.0 xG per game, while no team remaining creates more than 2.5.
Despite the lack of a bonafide finisher, questions around Spain's attack are difficult to have left unanswered.
For Switzerland's part, they simply cannot go back to the passive approach they began Euro 2020 with. After creating 1.7 xG through two group games, with only a point from their 1-1 draw with Wales to show for it, they've created 4.8 xG in their past two matches and were rewarded with one of the most famous victories in their history.
After the successes against Turkey and France, Switzerland will again play higher up the pitch and attack with intent against Spain. While it may not deliver a third consecutive win, it'll deliver some exciting soccer.
PREDICTION: Over 2.5 (-110)
Picks made on 6/30/2021 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Euro 2020 betting sites
As a signature tournament for the most popular sport in the world, almost every online sportsbook and betting site will offer odds for Euro 2020. Check out the best soccer betting sites available where you live.
