- What: Portugal vs. Switzerland, 2022 FIFA World Cup - Knockout Stages (Round of 16)
- When: Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar
- How to watch: Peacock (ESP), Fox Sports (EN), Telemundo
The 2022 FIFA World Cup group stages are wrapped up, and we're moving on to the knockout stages where Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are set to face off with Switzerland on Tuesday. Portugal was the winner of Group H after collecting two wins in the group stages, while Switzerland placed second in Group G, behind winners Brazil. This matchup has plenty to offer, and we're going to make some Portugal vs. Switzerland picks.
Before we dive into the Portugal vs. Switzerland World Cup betting picks, make sure to take a look at our soccer betting guide in order to get all the tips and tricks you need. Additionally, take a look at our useful World Cup betting guide which has plenty of information.
Portugal vs. Switzerland Odds
 | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | -0.5 (-105) | -110 | O 2.0 (-138) |
| Switzerland | +0.5 (-115) | +325 | U 2.0 (+114) |
| Draw | +240 |
Heading into the matchup, Portugal (-110) is favored to beat Switzerland (+320) in regulation. A draw (+240) is considered more likely than a Switzerland win, but still not very likely. Any Money Line bet in the knockout stages will not include extra time, so those are the odds for the first 90 minutes of regulation (and added time). The spread indicates the books believe this will be a one-goal game. The total is set for 2 goals, leaning toward the over (-138).
Portugal Best Bets
Portugal is favored over Switzerland for Tuesday's battle, and they'll be relying on their talented attack and experienced defense in order to secure a victory and reach the next stage of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo has not had the World Cup he was hoping for thus far, with just one goal in the group stages, though he was a (literal) hair away from a second. CR7 will be eager to get back on the scoresheet for Portugal during the knockout stages.
Portugal won its first two games of the group stages and secured its place in the next round as winners of Group H. They were upset by South Korea in their final game of the groups, however, surrendering two goals in the shocking loss. Portugal has scored at least one goal in every single game thus far at the World Cup, but also conceded two goals in two different games. They'll need to clean things up defensively if they want to beat Switzerland.
Ronaldo has some of the best talent surrounding him in recent years for Portugal. Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Rafael Leao have all been spectacular and will be difference-makers in the attacking third. While the books anticipate a lower-scoring game, I'm expecting some goals to be found from both teams. With that in mind, the first bet I want to take is Portugal vs. Switzerland Over 2.5 Total Goals (+132).
In addition to the over, I'm expecting Ronaldo to bounce back with a big-time goal for Portugal. He's been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons of late, but I think he steps up and finds Portugal a crucial goal during the knockout stages. The second pick here is Cristiano Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer (+165). He has the most goals in history at the World Cup and should add another to his tally vs. Switzerland.
Switzerland Best Bets
Switzerland narrowly missed out on winning World Cup Group H, losing out to Brazil on goal differential. That could wind up being costly, as they're now slated to face Portugal, when they could have met South Korea in the knockout stages. Still, there's absolutely no reason for Switzerland to be counted out in this game, despite their underdog status.
Switzerland is a scrappy team that plays a physical style which could prove problematic for the lean midfielders of Portugal (particularly Vitinha). While he's a master of finesse on the ball, some physicality play in the midfield could put him off his game. If Switzerland wins the physical battle, they could look to open up play through the midfield and try to get their goalscorers some good looks on the net.
As we've seen this tournament, Portugal has been lackluster on defense, surrendering four goals in three games. They'll need to be vastly better in the defensive third if they're going to keep the likes of Breel Embolo and Xerdan Shaqiri from making plays. Switzerland only conceded three goals in the first round, and I expect this team to put up a strong fight against Portugal. With that in mind, the first bet I'm targeting is Switzerland Money Line (+325).
Switzerland getting the job done in regulation may be a bit optimistic, so I'm only going to be sprinkling on that. A bit safer of an option, but still seeing Switzerland take down Portugal, would be taking "Switzerland to Qualify" at (+170). This bet will leave time for Switzerland to potentially secure the result in extra time or via the penalty shootout, should they be unable to get it done in the first 90 minutes.
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