Switzerland are in the midst of a talent surge of some sorts with the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabian Schar, Ricardo Rodriguez and Josip Drmic making names for themselves in Europe alongside more established stars like goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, Tranquillo Barnetta and Gokhan Inler. They breezed through their qualifying group, taking 24 out of a possible 30 points while conceding only 6 goals. Ottomar Hitzfield’s team stunned eventual world champions Spain in their first World Cup match four years ago but failed to make it out of the group after losing to Chile and drawing Honduras. Honduras are pitted against the Swiss again in the last match of the group stage and they will be hoping to improve on their 2010 performance. Leading up to the World Cup, Switzerland were only able to draw against Jamaica and Peru and Hitzfield will be hoping his charges raise their game against the South American side.
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Reinaldo Rueda’s men, on the other hand, missed out of South Africa 2010 but were eliminated in the 2006 Round of 16 by England. The South American side qualified for Brazil by finishing in the final direct qualification spot in the CONMEBOL qualification group. With Ecuador ranked 26th this tie. Leading up to the tournament, they played out an exciting but ill-tempered 2-2 draw with England.
EXPECTED LINE UPS:
Ottomar Hitzfield has a full strength squad to choose from with Fabian Schar and Johan Djourou expected to start at centre back while highly rated full back Ricardo Rodriguez and Stephan
Lichtsteiener start at left back and right back respectively, at present, they would be hoping to take all three points as the marginal favourites of Ecuador captain Antonio Valencia saw red in the Miami friendly against England but will be available to play in the Group E opener against the Swiss.
Odds Comparison:
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| Switzerland | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.45 | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.40 |
| Draw | 3.10 | 3.00 | 3.05 | 3.00 | 3.10 | 3.00 |
| Ecuador | 3.20 | 3.10 | 3.10 | 3.10 | 3.20 | 3.00 |
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update
Switzerland (4-2-3-1) : Banaglio; Rodriguez, Schar, Djourou, Lichtsteiner; Inler, Xhaka;
Stocker, Mehmedi, Shaqiri; Drmic
Ecuador (4-4-2) : Dominguez; Ayovi, Guagua, Erazo, Paredes; Montero, Noboa, Castillo, A.
Valencia; Caicedo, E. Valencia
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KEY BATTLE
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia will stretch the Swiss defense with his pace and delivery. Highly-rated Vfl Wolfsburg full back Ricardo Rodriguez will be tasked with keeping the Ecuador captain quiet for the duration of the game.
ONE TO WATCH
21-year old Ricardo Rodriguez is one of the most talented members of the Swiss squad. He comes into the World Cup on the back of a stunning season in the German Bundesliga, playing in all of Wolfsburg’s 34 league matches. He netted 5 goals and laid on 9 assists for his team mates. The marauding left back is expected to earn a big money move to a top European side after the World Cup.
PREDICTION 
Switzerland have an exciting array of talented footballers and Ottomar Hitzfield will be hoping his young stars shine with the more experienced players leading them. Ecuador pose a threat to the Swiss’ hopes of advancing with their quick, direct football.
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