Brazil 1-1 Switzerland World Cup 2018: match report
A cracker from Coutinho was cancelled out by Zuber's header, along with a hint of a push in the back, but Brazil only pick up a point in their first game of the World Cup.
Brazil 1-1 Switzerland: match report
Brazil's World Cup got off to an ambiguous start at Rostov Arena on Sunday night. Their opponents from Group E were Switzerland and they might feel there were moments when they had a chance to steal all three points without ever pushing enough to manage that feat.
It took a wonderful goal from Coutinho after 20 minutes to get things started after some improving play from the pre-tournament favourites. After that though, it felt like Neymar and co. backed off. They never reached the form they showed in that opening spell and suffered for it.
A Steven Zuber goal from a set-piece saw Petkovic's side draw level and while they deserved it, Brazil took over once it hit the back of the net.
They had chances from Neymar, Firmino, a potental penalty when Gabriel Jesus was pulled down and several more close calls but they couldn't break the Swiss' resolves. Yann Sommer, who won the man of the match award, was awesome in goals too with a number of important stops.
Brazil made a number of changes too with the purpose of unlocking the Swiss defence but to no avail. They will leave the game feeling frustrated that they let a commanding start slip through their hands but the Swiss proved to everyone and themselves that they have what it takes for an unlikely run in the World Cup even if their striking options are somewhat limited.
Brazil vs Switzerland live online: match updates
Brazil vs Switzerland live online: preview
Brazil are back. Well, that's what we have been told and that's what most people think too. They have a team of world class talent and have tongues wagging heading into the World Cup. They play Switzerland on Sunday night with kick-off at 20:00 CEST.
Neymar has returned from the injury he suffered in Ligue 1 and the one that ultimately derailed his debut season with PSG. After months of rehab and recovery, he came on in a friendly against Croatia and scored as if he hadn't missed a minute of action. Tite is missing Dani Alves after he suffered an unfortunate injury to rule him out of what looks like his last World Cup. Gabriel Jesus has a chance to do what Ronaldo last did in 2002 when he finished as the tournament's top scorer while winning the thing. He has been compared to the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker but says he is not focused on the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, they have a team smattered with talent indcluding Manchester United new lad, Fred, and the Real Madrid-linked Roma goalkeeper Allisson, who is currently being looked at by Europe's biggest and best clubs with a bidding war set to take off over his services.
Switzerland lost to Spain recently but they have the kind of attacking talent and defensive discipline to really trouble Brazil. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez are two exciting full-backs, even if the new Arsenal man has racked up 100 caps and is slowing down. Xherdan Shaqiri has a knack for big goals and has the capacity to outshine Neymar as outrageous as that might sound. It's hard to know what way Vlad Petkovic will set up his side but it will likely be a 4-2-3-1 and just how attacking they will be against one of the tournaments liveliest sides remains to be seen.