FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Switzerland Salvage A Draw Against Brazil
Rostov, Russia – Neymar and the Brazilians were given the rough treatment by the Swiss in an exciting match filled with attacking football, drama, and all-out action. Brazil looked set to win the match 1-0 with Coutinho’s strike but Switzerland would not have that. Both teams defended well but could not stop either goal from being scored.
The match started off with Brazil going on attack after attack, keeping the Swiss on the back foot. Paulinho passed up a glorious chance when his scuffed effort from close range was turned behind by Yann Sommer.
It seemed a matter of time before Brazil’s pressure paid dividends. The opener arrived in stunning style on 20 minutes. Barcelona’s record signing picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box. He then, in a trademark fashion bent the ball into the far right corner for the score.
Neymar looked lively throughout the game even with his lack of game time. His connection with Marcelo looked promising. Even after all the positive work. Thiago Silva and Gabriel Jesus missed two gilt-edged chances from dangerous corners. With the Brazilians failing to build on their lead.
Second Half
The Swiss leveled through Zuber in the 50th-minute even though they offered little threat earlier. Zuber took advantage of the gap left in the middle of the Brazilian defense during a corner due to not being adequately covered by Joao Miranda.
Forced back onto the front foot, Brazil turned to Neymar for a moment of inspiration but he could only blast into the side-netting before Coutinho sliced wide with a much simpler opportunity than the one from which he opened the scoring. Brazil was unhappy that Zuber wasn’t penalized for a slight push on Miranda for the equalizer and also felt they should’ve been awarded a penalty due to a challenge on Jesus by Akanji.
Even though Tite’s men had a series of chances in the closing stages of the game, the Swiss held on for a draw.
The World Cup is shaping up very interestingly with heavyweights Germany losing to Mexico earlier in the day. Spain, Brazil, and Argentina drawing their first games. And France narrowly winning against Australia.
