 |
| Zuber’s equaliser earns a shock draw for Switzerland against the five time World Cup winners (Image from the Daily Star) |
Coutinho’s superb 20-yard strike wasn’t enough for Brazil as Switzerland held on to get a shock draw against one of the tournament’s favourites. Brazil fans were full of expectations, eager to watch a Brazil side brimming with confidence and attacking flair. However, they were left frustrated at the end after a dogged defensive display from the Swiss meant that Brazil did not come away with all three points.
Brazil took a while to get into the game, but after a while we began to see the fluid, exciting Brazilian style which we were all too familiar with. Deservedly, Brazil took the lead through a fantastic effort from Coutinho, where he curled the ball from 20 yards which clipped the inside of the post and bounced into the back of the net. But after that, Brazil lacked the creativity and cutting edge, allowing Switzerland to come into the game. And so they did, as Shaqiri produced a wonderful ball in from a corner and Zuber met it with a powerful header past goalkeeper Alisson. Apart from the goal, Switzerland barely threatened Brazil, but they did well to contain Brazil’s attack. Only towards the end of the game, did Brazil show more desire to get the winning goal, with Neymar heading straight at the keeper from close range and Miranda coming close with a volley from the edge of the box. This game was always going to be tough for Brazil, but they will certainly not be pleased with this result.
Brazil Player Ratings
Alisson (5) – Maybe could have come out the meet Shaqiri’s corner to prevent the equaliser but can’t be faulted on much more
Danilo (6) – Was slightly quiet but got involved in some good link-up play in his flank
Thiago Silva (7) – Kept things tight at the back and was a danger during corners coming close with one chance as he headed the ball just over the bar
Miranda (5) – Also picks up some of the blame for Zuber’s goal for not picking him up in the box
Marcelo (7) – Some strong attacking runs, but also did put in a more defensive display
Casemiro (7) – Did a very good job as the anchor of the midfield but picked up a booking early in the second half so he was subbed off
Paulinho (5) – Had a very good chance early on but didn’t produce much afterwards
Phillipe Coutinho (7) – Scored with a stunning effort and involved in decent link-up play posing a danger for the Swiss defence
 |
| Coutinho celebrates his brilliant goal (Image from Barca Blaugranes) |
Willian (7) – Was dangerous going forward on the right and also tracked back well
Gabriel Jesus (5) – Didn’t have much of an impact but occasionally found himself in good positions. Went down easily looking for a penalty, wasting a good chance
Neymar (7) – Often frustrated as he was constantly fouled, but saw flashes of brilliance from him, with often very little end product.
Switzerland Player Ratings
Yann Sommer (7) – Produced an important save from a close-range shot early on as well as a few important ones later on. Couldn’t do much to deny Coutinho’s effort
Ricardo Rodriguez (6) – A decent shift put in by the left back with some good long balls
Fabian Schar (7) – A solid defensive display, not allowing Brazil to create much
Manuel Akanji (7) – Was composed on the ball, showed maturity for a young defender
Stephan Lichsteiner (6) – Did well on the attack but at times struggled to keep Neymar quiet
Valon Behrami (8) – A superb effort in the centre of the park, keeping Neymar at bay with his aggressive approach
Granit Xhaka (6)– Distributed the ball well at times, but not too solid defensively
Xherdan Shaqiri (7) – Did well for the assist and was a driving force going forward
 |
| Behrami put in a top performance (Image from BBC Sport) |
Blerim Dzemaili (5) – Didn’t offer much in an attacking sense
Hans Seferovic (4) – Barely touched the ball
Man of the match: Valon Behrami – Passed the ball around well and prevented Brazil’s star player, Neymar, from threatening Switzerlands’ goal
