Even more than the match, Brazil was preoccupied with the injury of superstar Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury in the match they won against Serbia and will also miss the final group match. However, Brazil is now, along with France, the only country to have actually qualified for their eighth finals after two matches.
Without Neymar, Brazil looked less dangerous than in the opening match with Serbia (2-0), although it was also due to the discipline played against the Swiss who were stronger than Cameroon 1-0 in the opening match. Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal in the first half, but his effort was saved by Swiss goalkeeper Jan Sommer.
Dangerous Switzerland
With Real Madrid’s Rodrigo in place of Lucas Paqueta, national coach Tite tried to provide title favorites with the necessary boost in the second half, as he lacked the necessary creativity. But still, Switzerland was initially more dangerous than the five-time world champion. At Brill Empolo, Switzerland had a lone fighter up front, but confidence grew as the game progressed.
Brazil thought they had been liberated half an hour from time by Vinicius Jr. who scored a superb goal. He received the ball from striker Richarlison, who, according to the referee, was found to be offside based on the photographs.
Vinicius was immediately called the most dangerous Brazilian in the match. Where Richarlison took the lead in the first match against Serbia with both strikes, the spotlight was now on the man who clinched this year’s Champions League final.
The ultimate attack
With the arrival of former Ajax player Anthony (now Manchester United) and also Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Brazil began their final attack with twenty minutes remaining. However, Brazil’s Neymarles did not come close to scoring a goal.
Until Casemiro stood up, he was the midfielder who won the Champions League a lot with Real Madrid and moved to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United last summer. All around, the defensive midfielder is a quiet yet respected force. Never to his goals, except for Monday night, when he gave his country a place in the last 16.
The victory over Switzerland brought a sigh of relief to the Copacabana and the stands of Stadium 974 in Doha, where Brazilian legends Roberto Carlos, Kaká, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Cafu (all FIFA guests) watched the match.
Switzerland awaits another match against Serbia on Friday evening (8 pm). In that match, coach Murat Yakin’s team has everything in its hands. If Brazil does its homework against Cameroon, a draw will be enough for Switzerland.
