Match Review: Brazil v. Switzerland

Brazil v Switzerland
Score: 1-1
Goals: Coutinho 20' Zuber 60'
Possession: 54-46
Shots: 20-6
Man of the match: Phil Coutinho

In a very competitive group E opener, Brazil and Switzerland split points in Rostov. The match started off with Switzerland firing and early warning shot. Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri was able to play in Ozemali who volleyed just over the bar. A couple of Swiss attacks continued but Brazil weathered the storm really well. Brazil took control of the match after about 12 minutes of Swiss control. The Brazilians showed their creative flair when Neymar and Coutinho combined inside the box and were able to square it to Paulinho who just fired wide from 5 yards out. That was the first chance of the match Brazil and the chances would keep coming. The next notable chance for Brazil ended up being their first goal. When the ball fell to Phil Coutinho outside the area about 25 yards from goal there was only one thing on his mind. He hit the most Phil Coutinho esque strike right in of the post. It was a wondergoal and showcased the talent Brazil possess. The chances continued coming for Brazil. With both headed chances for Gabriel Jesus and Thiago Silva going off target. For Switzerland they looked outclassed for most of that first half but seemed to get a foot into the game by the time the first half ended. Switzerland came out of the gates in the second half and expressed that confidence and belief. They had good control of the ball and pinned Brazil back throughout the early portions of the second half. They were able to finally find their equalizer when a beautiful corner was whipped in by Shaqiri which found a rising Steven Zuber to head in past Allison. This goal maybe showed some Brazilian flaw as their marking looked less than competent. This goal let Switzerland sit back and absorb the coming attacks buy Brazil, and believe me those attacks came. Wave after wave of Brazilian attacks came. Chances were falling to some of Brazil's finest such as Coutinho and substitute Roberto Firmo but they all failed to convert. There was a shout though in the second half as defender Akanji took down Jesus in the box. The referee deemed it a fair challenge but upon a second look it really could've been called either way. Brazil had to keep fighting with still no threat being posed by Switzerland on the counter attack. Brazil's final chance feel to the feet of defender Miranda who's half volleyed strike went just wide ending the match for Brazil. For Brazil this leaves them in still an ok position but they will need to improve if they want to achieve their aspirations to win the World Cup. For Switzerland this a brilliant result against the best team in the group and things can only look up from here.