FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
World Cup 2018: Brazil vs Switzerland Preview
Rostov, Russia – The Rostov Arena will provide a spectacular setting for the group E clash. The five-time champions look to have returned to their best under head coach Tite and were the first team to qualify for the tournament. Four years on from being humiliated on home turf 7-1 against eventual World Cup champions Germany in the semi-final, Brazil will be looking to make a statement to prove their doubters wrong.
Current Form:
The durable Swiss side has lost just once since early 2016 and only exited EURO 2016 on penalties. Though they had to go through the play-offs to qualify. However, Switzerland put together an excellent campaign in the European preliminaries. They were also unbeaten in four warm-up games, including a 1-1 draw with Spain.
The Brazilians had a remarkable qualifying campaign as they led the South American qualification table. In addition, Tite’s side have won five of their last six games, and have won 17 of 21 since Tite took over in August 2016.
Previous Encounter:
The two nations have faced each other eight times. Brazil have won three games, with three draws and Switzerland winning twice.
Team News:
Neymar is back to fitness having played and scored in two warm-up matches for Brazil, leaving coach Tite’s only real dilemma between starting Jesus and Firmino in attack. Firmino scored only once in qualifying, but did net in a friendly win over Croatia earlier this month.
However, Switzerland will have to do without Admir Mehmedi, who is ruled out by injury, and still have a question to answer over whether to start Haris Seferovic in attack.
Lineups:
Brazil (4-3-3) – Alisson; Danilo, Silva, Miranda, Marcelo; Paulinho, Casemiro, Coutinho; Neymar, Willian, Jesus
Switzerland (4-2-3-1) – Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Behrami; Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber; Seferovic
Match Prediction:
It really is difficult to look beyond Brazil for this one as they look to continue their excellent recent form being head and shoulders above everyone else.
Prediction: Brazil 3-1 Switzerland
