The next big one stumbles: Switzerland robs Neymar of the fun

After Argentina's draw against Iceland and the Defeat of defending champions Germany Outsiders Switzerland tripped up the Selecao. The 1:1 (1:0) was flattering for the Swiss, but an unexpected setback for the title contenders.

The Brazilians dominated the game in Rostov-on-Don in the first half almost as they pleased and sometimes made fools of the Swiss in the first 30 minutes. Philippe Coutinho from FC Barcelona (19th) took the well-deserved lead with an artificial shot. The fact that Brazil failed to win a World Cup opening game for the first time since 1978 was due to Hoffenheim's Steven Zuber's goal (50th) - and to Neymar, who let his opponents' attacks rob him of the fun.

Steven Zuber balances the leather into the mesh. Roma goalie Alisson is powerless in the Brazilian goal. © APA/afp / PASCAL GUYOT

Zuber rewarded Switzerland for a committed performance in front of 43.109 spectators and secured a point that could still be extremely valuable in Group E. Before the duels with Serbia and Costa Rica, coach Vladimir Petkovic's team can hope to reach the round of XNUMX. The path to the “Hexa Campeao”, the sixth title, will not be a sure-fire success for top favorites Brazil. Especially when the savior weakens. Behrami pulls Neymar's tooth Neymar, Neymar, Neymar. For months there had been no other topic in Brazil than the metatarsal of the exceptional player. It was broken on February 25th, in a relatively unimportant league game in France. There was a lot of fear about how the team could erase the disgrace of the home World Cup without their superstar. The 1-7 defeat against Germany in the 2014 semi-final is still present everywhere - and also drives Neymar, who was injured in Belo Horizonte. Against Switzerland, the 222 million man from Paris Saint-Germain exuded enthusiasm at the beginning, but was thrown out of step. The Swiss attacked Neymar on the verge of fairness, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Fabian Schär and the outstanding Valon Behrami saw yellow cards after fouls on the 2016 Olympic champion. Dream goal from Coutinho So it wasn't Neymar, but Coutinho who scored Brazil's first highlight of the World Cup with an artificial shot. Borussia Mönchengladbach's Yann Sommer, one of three Bundesliga players in the Swiss starting line-up, was powerless in goal. The Brazilians used their lead to take it easy - too quiet, as it became apparent after the break. Zuber scored unchallenged with his head after a corner. Switzerland saves a draw over time It was Switzerland's only chance for a long time, but Brazil also found it difficult to create good opportunities. In the 58th minute, the country held its breath as Neymar limped across the pitch after a shot into the side netting. However, nothing serious seemed to have happened to his foot. In the 88th minute he appeared in front of Sommer, but his header failed. Substitutes Roberto Firmino (90th) and Miranda (90th + 1) also aimed inaccurately. All information about the game and Group E:

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

The next big one stumbles: Switzerland robs Neymar of the fun

The superstar complained, argued and was visibly satisfied in the end: Neymar and record world champions Brazil surprisingly stumbled as the next favorites in the opening game at the World Cup in Russia.

Suggestions

Comments (0)