In a 2918 FIFA World Cup performance that won’t calm many nerves among its supporters, Brazil’s outstanding group of attackers produced quite a few scoring opportunities but only one goal in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
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Neymar was hoping to prove that he was still dangerous coming off the broken foot he sustained in February. However, he turned in a largely forgettable performance punctuated by a few bright moments in attack.
It seemed like his off night was compensated for when Philippe Coutinho sent a gorgeous, curling shot off the goalpost. The beautiful goal came in the 20th minute to give Brazil a lead that it seemed eager to build upon.
Imago
Brazil vs Switzerland
But with a disciplined defensive showing and a few forays into the front by Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland held firm. And in the 50th minute, a Brazilian defensive lapse (and a bit of a shove) on a corner kick gave the Swiss the moment they needed, with Steven Zuber nodding a ball past Alisson from right in front of the net.
Hoping to avoid becoming the first Brazilian squad since 1978 to fail to win its World Cup opener, the South Americans steadily cranked up the pressure and peppered the Swiss goal with shots, finishing with 21 shots to Switzerland’s 6.
But too few (five) of Brazil’s shots were on target, and Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer came up with several impressive stops, including a diving save of Roberto Firmino’s header just before stoppage time, to preserve the result.
Brazil on Wednesday faces Serbia in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup encounter. Serbia are the current Group E leaders after their win over Costa Rica. The latter will take on Switzerland in another important group-stage match the same day.
Here is how social media reacted to the gripping match between the two nations.
If swiss wants to win a cup like that than they should just order it from China rather than winning it with cheating and the referee shouldn’t be allowed in any other game. Swiss grabbed, pulled and hugged Brazilian from behind like they were in swinger party #BRAxSUI
https://twitter.com/ashmorley/status/1008438403212472322
this says it all lmao its not Switzerlands fault that Neymar goes to the ground whenever someone breathes #BRAxSUI
The arbitration of the game is absurdly wrong. An illegal goal and a penalty not marked for Brazil, cards not given. SO THAT THE VIDEO ARBITER SERVES THEN? #Copa2018 #VAIBRASIL #BraxSui #vemHEXA #Canarinho
That Swiss sideline warm-up 😳😳😂😂#WorldCup2018 #BRAxSUI #BrazilVSSwitzerland #Switzerland
I am no expert but I guess Brasil should start a game without Neymar and see. The keeps the ball long enough to lose it. Tries to do a Ronaldo quite often #WorldCupRussia2018 #BRAxSUI
Almost the entire game was like this #BRAxSUI
https://twitter.com/SirIshantSharma/status/1008478462045089792
https://twitter.com/PluckyNemes/status/1008457699019907072
https://twitter.com/C_430/status/1008454976446877704
https://twitter.com/PluckyNemes/status/1008453541806198786
Ney-Mar. Vs. Noodle-Mar #BRAxSUI
Great match #BRAxSUI 🇧🇷 🇨🇭
#BRAxSUI I think the ref was blind
https://twitter.com/suryatejavala/status/1008444194074001409
I’m pretty sure neymar spends out of 90 mins 60 of them rolling around on the floor #BRAxSUI
Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Spain all were among the favourites to win #FifaWorldCup18 and so far haven't won any match. No more believing in football pundits. #BRAxSUI