On the side of the title contenders from Brazil, Coach Tite had to rotate twice due to injury. At right-back, Éder Militão started for Danilo and Fred started for superstar Neymar, who was sidelined with an ankle injury. The “Nati”, on the other hand, changed one position: Talent Fabian Rieder replaced Xerdan Shaqiri, who initially had to sit on the bench.
The top game for early advancement in Group G initially promised more than it could deliver. Both teams started very cautiously and cautiously, and also made an unusually large number of mistakes in concentration during the build-up.
The Seleção took control from the start, but were unable to convert this into chances against a stable Swiss defence.
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In the 27th minute, the Swiss had to take a deep breath for the first time when Vinícius should have volleyed a Raphinha cross into the goal – but Sommer was able to parry with a great reflex. After that, little happened.
Both teams didn’t take their last chances, often slowed down the pace and the disappointing first 45 minutes ended goalless.
Brazil found it extremely difficult against Switzerland
Fotocredit: Getty Images
However, the second half started faster. The intensity increased significantly, both teams also picked up more speed in the offensive game. But there was still a feeling that both Brazil and Switzerland weren’t going all out.
Vinícius’s goal, which was later ruled out due to Richarlison being offside, came out of nowhere (65′). The Brazilians then pushed for the opening goal and redeemed themselves late: Only in the 83rd minute did Casemiro come to the end after great interaction between Vinicius Junior and Rodryo and nailed the ball with a full instep into the right corner of the goal. Despite a tired performance, the record world champion is early in the round of 16.
The tweet about the game
Curious: The floodlights in Stadium 974 go out shortly before the half-time break.
The voices of the game
Tite (Brazil national team coach): “Today the team that has developed over the last four years won. They used all their skills. It was a difficult game, Switzerland have a great defense, we had to give everything. We joked that there was some kind of Chess is, you have to analyze every piece carefully before you can make the moves.”
Murat Yakin (national coach Switzerland): “The match plan worked out for a very long time. We controlled the opponent well with an intensive running performance. It’s a sad moment that we gave up the game. There was a bit of a lack of courage offensively. With a little more luck it would have been I’m sure there was more to it. But we still have it in our hands.”
Casemiro (Brazil): “We played patiently. They’re not nice games, that’s clear. The teams neutralize each other, it’s minor things. In the end, someone scored, and that was me today. A really great goal (laughs).”
Yann Sommer (Switzerland): “We did well in large parts of the game, defended well and were compact. We didn’t allow much apart from the offside goal. Unfortunately, we lost the ball too early with the ball, we were hardly able to provide any relief. Then it will be at some point difficult.”
The number for the game: 8
With the second win in the second game, the Selecao have made it into the round of 16 at a World Cup for the eighth time in a row, thereby underpinning their claim to the title. An impressive statistic from the team from South America.
That was noticeable: Neymar is missing – or not?
You could tell today that the Brazilian offensive lacked a certain spark of creativity, the classic magic moments of the Seleção were missing. This is certainly due to the absence of superstar Neymar, who is suffering from an ankle injury. But despite this failure, the Brazilians didn’t show any weaknesses and decided the game in their favor after a long start-up. It wasn’t necessarily Joga Bonito, but the favorites performed as a unit, played with passion and heart and soul and deservedly won in the end. So maybe it’s possible without Neymar?
Müller praises his substitute: “Füllkrug gives the team energy”
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