Brazil’s last world cup campaign ended on a sour note with a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semifinals in their own home. They lost Neymar and Thiago Silva due to Injury and suspension respectively which resulted in a dismal display and a humiliation at home. This time around, Brazil were termed to be the favorite as always and even when Neymar was suffering from an injury. Even without one of the best players in the world, Brazil possesses enough firepower to obliterate any teams defence.
Switzerland is far from the favourites to win the tournament but they will surely back themselves to make it out of the group stage. They have some talent amidst them and are very likely to finish second in the group behind Brazil.
Form
Both Brazil and Switzerland are unbeaten in their last 5 matches with Brazil winning 4 and Swiss being the winners on 3 occasions. Brazil is in red-hot form coming into the tournament as they defeated Croatia 2-0 and Austria 3-0 in their last two pre-tournament friendlies. Apart from that, they are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in which they have conceded only twice.
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Switzerland has to go through playoffs to qualify for the World Cup even after losing just the last match of the qualifiers against Portugal. Switzerland has managed to cause some upsets in World Cups including the win against the eventual winners Spain in 2010 in their opening match. They have lost just once since Euro 2016 in their 2-0 loss against Portugal in the last qualifier.
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Squads
Brazil’s Squad is overflowing with talent and individual skills. Players like Neymar, Phillipe Coutinho, Willian, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Marcelo are too much for any defence to handle. Add into it a strong defence of Thiago Silva and Casemiro-The Tank and you will have all the boxes ticked for a champion side.
There was a scare of Neymar missing the World Cup due to injury or he won’t be able to come back to his usual best. But, Neymar returned against Croatia after 3 months on the sidelines and scored a brilliant solo goal.
Brazil Predicted XI
Alisson, Danilo, Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho, Willian, Neymar, Jesus
Switzerland will be minnows when they face Brazil and even if they manage to get a point in this match, it will be a huge step towards making it to the round of 16. Veteran Xherdan Shaqiri and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka will be the key players for the Swiss. Juventus’s Stephan Lichsteiner will lead the side from the back along with full-back Ricardo Rodriguez. Their front line will comprise of either Haris Seferovic, Breel Embolo, Josip Drmic, or Mario Gavranovic.
Switzerland Predicted XI:
Sommer, Lichsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Xhaka, Behrami, Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Embolo, Seferovic
Prediction and Odds
With the way Brazilians are playing, it will be hard for the Swiss to keep up with the dynamic trio of Neymar, Jesus, and Coutinho. There only hope is to somehow take control of the midfield and cut off Neymar from the game as much as they can.
For Brazil, Alisson will be the man saving the goal post and he has been phenomenal last season with Roma and is currently intrigued by the interest of Real Madrid. If Brazil gets early chances and freedom to play their football, it could turn out to be a one-sided affair.
Brazil 3-0 Switzerland
Brazil to win 3-0 at 9/1.
Neymar to score anytime at 10/11.
Over 2.5 Match Goals at 10/11
Odds at Mr. Green and LeoVegas
Brazil to win at 3/8.
Draw at 37/10.
Switzerland to win at 15/2.
Over 2.5 Match Goals at 49/50.
Under 2.5 Match Goals at 17/20.
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