European Champions Portugal Humiliated in Basel
The football world was left speechless as reigning European champions Portugal suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in their World Cup qualifying opener. Without their talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Santos’ side looked disjointed against a Swiss team that executed their game plan to perfection.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Breel Embolo’s Breakthrough: The 19-year-old rising star powered home a header in the 23rd minute after Rui Patricio parried Ricardo Rodriguez’s free-kick.
- Admir Mehmedi’s Stunner: Switzerland doubled their lead just six minutes later with a devastating counter-attack, finished clinically by Mehmedi into the top corner.
- Portugal’s Missed Opportunities: Nani rattled the post with a header, while Granit Xhaka’s late red card (two yellow offenses) couldn’t spark a Portuguese comeback.
France’s Star-Studded Attack Stifled by Belarus
Didier Deschamps’ France, packed with superstars like Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resilient Belarus side. Despite dominating possession (72%), Les Bleus failed to break down a compact Belarusian defense.
Tactical Breakdown
- Giroud’s Woodwork Woes: The Arsenal striker came closest with a first-half header that struck the crossbar.
- Griezmann’s Near-Miss: A curling free-kick forced a spectacular save from Belarus keeper Andrey Gorbunov.
- Defensive Solidity Wins: Belarus’ low block and quick transitions exposed France’s lack of creativity in the final third.
Paul Pogba and France were left frustrated in Borisov
Group A Chaos: Netherlands Held, Bulgaria Edge Thriller
The Netherlands failed to capitalize on France’s slip-up, drawing 1-1 with Sweden in Solna. Wesley Sneijder’s second-half equalizer canceled out Marcus Berg’s opener, but the Oranje’s defensive frailties remain a concern.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria topped Group A after a dramatic 4-3 win over Luxembourg, sealed by Aleksandar Tonev’s 94th-minute wonder-strike.
Jeetbuzz Key Takeaways from the Qualifiers
- Switzerland’s Statement Win: Their tactical discipline and Embolo’s emergence make them Group B favorites.
- France’s Creativity Crisis: Over-reliance on individual brilliance cost them against deep-lying defenses.
- Dark Horses Emerge: Bulgaria and Bosnia (5-0 vs. Estonia) showcased attacking firepower to watch.
What’s Next?
With Jeetbuzz expert analysis, keep an eye on:
- Belgium’s Dominance: Lukaku’s brace in a 3-0 rout of Cyprus signals their Group H threat.
- Greece’s Recovery: A 4-1 win over Gibraltar (despite Liam Walker’s stunner) keeps them in contention.
- Hungary’s Struggles: Held 0-0 by the Faroe Islands, a worrying sign post-Euro 2016.
Final Thought: These qualifiers proved no team is invincible. For more deep dives, follow Jeetbuzz coverage! Share your reactions below—were these results flukes or signs of shifting power?
