Yet another favorite tumbled. Like Spain, Germany and Argentina, and Brazil also failed managing a win in its first match of Group E against Switzerland. Brazil looked like dazzling, but did not sustain.
I can not say that Brazil played like a team tagged for taking away the top honors. Countinho crowned their early domination with a brilliant goal (1-1). The constant pressure failed to extend the lead through poor marksmanship. Swiss defense bottled Neymar. Through a controversial equalizer when replay showed Miranda pushed Switzerland manage equalizer off a ……..header from a corner (1-1). All-out Brazil attack could not crack Swiss defense. Like Messi, Neymar also failed to do what Ronaldo did for Portugal. Perhaps, he was also not 100%. He held the ball too long but could not come up with his trademark goal scoring. No immediate concern. But Brazil needs improving a lot to go all the way.
The Match:
Brazil made a less auspicious start to their hexad mission in the World Cup as Switzerland held them to a 1-1 draw in their Group E opener. The favourite looked OK till they surged into the lead through PhillipeCountinho spectacularly firing home from a distance 20 minutes in to the game. But they failed to widen merging for poor marksmanship. Swiss did well to keep Neymar at bay through tight marking and effective tackling .Barzil attacks lacked killer punch. Finally through suspect defending Steven Zuber headed the equalizer 5 minutes into the second half (1-1). Brazilians protested as Zuber was seen pushing Miranda moments before he headed, but that appeal was overruled by VAR.
It was the first match Brazil played in World Cup final after their disgraceful 7-1 drubbing in the semi final against Germany at home in World Cup 2014. Marcelo was the lone survivor from that Germany defeat that started.
Brazil looked to play to their Jogo Bonita brand on Samba tune. They were looking dangerous through left flank on most moves engineered by Marcelo. They took the lead on 20 minutes when Neymar's run down that flank left space for Coutinho to work in. Coutinho from 25 yards unleashed a thunder bolt that curled perfectly into the net, via the inside of the post. Brazil went up (1-0). But as time ticked Brazil attacks started losing stings.
The five-time World Cup winners and among the favourites in 2018 looked comfortable – may be too comfortable at times. The Swiss made them pay after the break. XherdanShaqiri whipped a sensational corner into the six-yard box which found Zuber in space despite five Brazilian defenders being within yards of him. He headed home, although Brazil was aggrieved as the Swiss scorer had seemingly pushed his marker Miranda in the back.
We are not sure that Neymar was match fit .Yet Tite thought it was wise playing him full time. He gave some hints of getting into his strides but looked too soft all the way. Anyway there is little cause of concern yet. But Brazil must improve a lot of the attacking stint and organize centre defense further to translate their HEXA dream to reality. Perhaps their first match fell short of impressing their worldwide fan following. Serbia and Costa Rica would be tougher opposition to deal with. Jesus and, Paulinho, Coutinho and Willan must utilize the space created from Neymar engaging two three defenders. Brazil also needs deep consolidation in central defense. It is early .Great teams peak at right times.
Some Statistics
Brazil failed to win their opening match at the World Cup for the first time since 1978, when they drew 1-1 with Sweden; they had won nine in a row between 1982 and 2014.
Switzerland has lost only one of their last 23 matches (W16 D6), a 2-0 defeat to Portugal in October 2017.
Switzerland hasn’t lost their opening World Cup match in any of their last five tournaments.
Five of Coutinho's 11 goals for Brazil have been from outside the box.
Since 1966, Brazil has scored 37 goals from outside the box at the World Cup - 11 more than any other team.
Brazil has conceded 10 goals from the last 13 shots on target they have faced at the World Cup.
ValonBehrami became the first Swiss player to appear in four different World Cup finals - he also appeared in 2006, 2010and 2014.
Brazil:
Alisson ,Danilo , Thiago Silva , Miranda , Marcelo , Paulinho , Casemiro, Coutinho, Willian , Gabriel Jesus and , Neymar
Subs: Firmino , Fernandinho , Augusto
Switzerland:
Sommer , Rodriguez , Akanji , Schar , LichtsteinerXhaka , Behrami , Dzemaili , Zuber , Shaqiri and Seferovic
Subs: Lang , Embolo
BDST: 2243 HRS, JUN 18, 2018
AH
