(Football news) After topping Group H, Portugal now gear up to face Switzerland in the Round of 16. Both teams won 2 and lost 1 match to book their place in the World Cup knockouts. Portugal midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva have played really well to drive their side. As for Switzerland, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri have turned up for their country like they always do.

Monaco striker Breel Embolo has led the attack by scoring two match winning goals. This is a very tough game to predict as none of these two teams have a particular style of play. The possession will most likely be somewhat equal but the team that is the most efficient will book their place in the Quarter finals. 

When it comes to efficiency, Cristiano Ronaldo is one name in the history of football that always comes up. He has been going through a very tough time with the ugly saga at Manchester United. He was decent in the first two games where he won and converted a penalty to break the deadlock against Ghana and also played a part in the opening goal against Uruguay which he claimed to be his goal.

Against South Korea when Fernando Santos rested the majority of his big players, Ronaldo still started the game but had a disastrous performance as Portugal lost 2-0. He needs to step up to the task like he has so many times in his career to silence his doubters and lead his country to the Quarter finals.

Having said that, Portugal are more than capable of winning the match without relying too much on Ronaldo. Switzerland will be looking to put pressure on the Portuguese defense which has a tendency to make errors at the back. Fernando Santos has a tough call to make in defense as he has to choose where to play Joao Cancelo. The Manchester City full back can play left back and right. Fernando Santos needs to choose between Diogo Dalot and Raphael Guerrero at full back which will determine Cancelo’s position.

Also read: World Cup 2022: Brazil dismantle South Korea to march into the quarter finals