sport news Five reasons why Switzerland are dark horses at the World Cup in Qatar trends now
Switzerland have been known to cause upsets in international tournaments and could prove to be dark horses at the Qatar World Cup.
A solid defence, a gritty battling midfield, top class goalkeepers and some attacking threats, the Swiss squad poses enough threat to cause teams issues.
They will be pitted against tournament favourites Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon in the group-stages with the hope of progressing into the knock-outs.
Switzerland could be dark horses at the World Cup, as they're known for pulling off upsets
Brazil will be expected to finish top of Group G while the second place is very much up for grabs between the other three teams.
Tournament experience, a touch of class, and the fact they're no pushovers could play into their favour over Serbia and Cameroon.
Sportsmail takes a look at the five reasons that Switzerland could be dark horses at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Swiss are never pushovers
The Swiss like we've already mentioned are known for causing a few upsets and everyone is well aware that they are no pushovers by now.
They stunned 2018 World Cup winners France at Euro 2020 and nicked a 1-1 draw against Brazil during the previous World Cup in the group-stages.
Murat Yakin's side had a disappointing group-stage campaign in the Euros, finishing third behind Italy and Wales, but finishing ahead of Turkey.
Switzerland managed to qualify for the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams and were drawn against favourites France.
Switzerland knocked World Cup champions France out of Euro 2020 on penalties in the last-16
No one and I mean no one would have expected the Swiss to come out on top of that tie, but they sealed a victory over the World Cup champions on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
To make it even more impressive was the fact they overcome a 3-1 second-half deficit to seal their first knock-out stage win in a major tournament since the 1938 World Cup.
That is not the first occasion they've pulled off a shock result and will definitely not be the last with the under-rated squad that they posses.
Not forgetting, they also managed to edge out European champions Italy in qualifying for this year's tournament.
A rock solid defence
Defence wins championships as the old saying goes. They might not the best defensive line-up, but they are most definitely solid and that always means you stand a good chance of succeeding.
The options at centre-back alone suggest they should be able to limit attacks with the likes of Manuel Akanji, Fabian Schar and Nico Elvedi to choose from.
Manchester City summer signing Akanji will be a key figure in the Swiss defence with his big game experience.
Man City defender Manuel Akanji (pictured) will be at the heart of defence for Switzerland
The 27-year-old, who has 42 caps, has become more of a regular than first expected when he joined the Premier League champions - having made 12 appearances in all competitions already this campaign.
Newcastle United's Fabian Schar is expected to line up alongside Akanji to form a strong base of the back line, having been instrumental for the Magpies so far this campaign, helping them to third place in the Premier League as it stands.
Switzerland usually opt to play with a back three and could be joined by Borussia Monchengladbach defender Elvedi.
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