(Photo Credits: SportsEon)
Brazil finally continued the trend of World Cup favorites underperforming after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland in their Group E opener at the Rostov Arena.
With 20 minutes gone on Sunday, some quick counters and tough pressing initiated the break, where Neymar’s shot was blocked off by a defender of Switzerland. A header off a Brazilian was then rebounded by a Swiss player, which went straight to Coutinho who without wasting time, struck a half-volley which straight away hit the right post and went in.
Number of shots since Zuber's equaliser:#BRA: 12#SUI: 0
One-way traffic but the Swiss bus is parked. 🚌 pic.twitter.com/2FSfJhekk9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 17, 2018
Complacency then set in and Brazil gifted Switzerland an equalizer five minutes into the second half after Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick. Football is beautiful because things change quickly and that was quite visible when Brazil took on Switzerland. Brazil quickly went from nervous to desperate, and it didn’t help the fact that Gabriel Jesus was denied a clear penalty and VAR once again did not intervene in their favor.
Brazil did start showing more urgency as time passed away and almost stole the three points with a hat-trick of chances in the final minutes but was denied by Sommer who made strong saves from Neymar and Roberto Firmino headers. Brazil’s last chance then felt to Miranda who saw himself packed with Swiss players and hence couldn’t make the most of that chance.
Brazil plays Costa Rica next Friday, while Switzerland must gather themselves for Serbia on the same day. Brazil and Serbia are favorites to qualify from Group E. However tonight’s draw is a cracking result for Switzerland and that will surely motivate them to qualify for the knockout stages.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Takes Full Responsibility For Missing The Penalty And Letting His Team Down.