On Sunday evening, Spain will aim to get back to winning ways as they continue their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign with a match against Switzerland. Luis de la Fuente’s team, the reigning champions, were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia in their opening game on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Switzerland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Denmark, who currently lead Group 4 in League A. Switzerland’s first match since their quarter-final penalty shootout loss to England at Euro 2024 ended in disappointment, with Denmark scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to secure their victory.
Despite the goalless draw with Serbia, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente remains unconcerned, calling the match “almost a pre-season game.” La Roja had the better chances but couldn’t score, leaving them in third place in the group with just one point.
Switzerland, who had Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka sent off, now find themselves at the bottom of the group. Murat Yakin’s squad finished fourth in the Nations League’s inaugural season in 2018-19, and they have placed third in their group in the last two editions, including 2022-23, when they also faced Spain in the group stage.
Switzerland will be looking to earn their first points in Group 4 of League A on Sunday and will also face Serbia and Denmark in October. They defeated Spain 2-1 in their last Nations League encounter in September 2022 but have only won two of their last 25 matches against Spain dating back to June 1925.
Spain, who won the European Championship this summer and triumphed at the Paris Olympics, are also the current Nations League champions, having defeated Croatia in the final in June 2023. They have been unbeaten since a friendly loss to Colombia in March and have not lost a competitive match since March 2023.
Team News
Switzerland’s coach Yakin will have to make at least two changes due to the suspensions of Elvedi and Xhaka. Gregory Wuthrich and Denis Zakaria are expected to come in as replacements. Breel Embolo, with 15 international goals, is likely to be featured in attack, supported by Fabian Rieder and Ruben Vargas.
For Spain, de la Fuente’s comments after the Serbia game suggest potential changes, with Pedri and Alejandro Grimaldo likely to be included. Marc Cucurella and Ayoze Perez might be dropped, and Dani Olmo’s injury could see Joselu start up front. Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final, could also feature in the attack.
David Raya is expected to continue as goalkeeper in place of the injured Unai Simon, while Manchester City’s Rodri might be included, though he has yet to play this season.
Spain: Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Joselu, N Williams
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