Brazil vs Switzerland
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group E
Date: Sunday, 17 June 2018
Kick-Off at 20:00 GMT +2
Venue: Rostov Arena, Rostov-na-Donu.
Brazil will feature the World Cup affair for the first time since the humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany four years ago on their soil. They are to open the 2018 campaign on Sunday evening against Switzerland at Rostov Arena.
Brazil head into the tournament in high spirits after cruising their way to top the South American World Cup Qualifiers.
They are favourites to win each of three group stage matches, but the first one against the stern defensive line of Switzerland could be their biggest test on the way.
Both sides have been rock solid at the back recently and we don’t expect a goal fest on Sunday at Rostov Arena.
Switzerland are considered Brazil’s main challengers here mainly because of their fine set of results at recent majors. Switzerland were a tough nut to crack to all sides at both World Cup 2014 in Brazil as well as EURO 2016 in France. They were unlucky to concede a late extra-time goal from Angel Di Maria in the last 16 round of the tournament in Brazil four years ago.
Brazil arrive to Russia as a heavily upgraded version to the team which reached the semi-final four years ago in their backyard. The new head coach Tite, who arrived midway through the qualifying campaign, has brought the much-needed solidness at the back as he took the most out of powerful defensive weapons in his ranks.
Match Facts
Interestingly, teams have a win, a draw, and a defeat each coming into their fourth head to head encounter.
The first one took place at the Wold Cup 1950 when the sides shared spoils in a 2-2 draw in the group stage.
The other two clashes had a friendly character, Brazil winning the one in November 2006 1-2 and Switzerland clinching the 1-0 victory in August 2013.
Betting Tips
Brazil win 1.45
Draw 4.64
Switzerland to win 9.2
Neymar to score anytime 1.87