FIFA World Cup : Brazil vs Switzerland

 Brazil took on Switzerland for their 2nd game of the group, with both team looking for a win to seal a slot in the knockouts. 

Both teams started sedately, not going all out & holding firm in defense, testing the opponents gingerly, as the game failed to gain momentum in the 1st half. Brazil, without the mercurial Neymar, out with an ankle injury, failed to stamp their authority in the game & struggled to find a chink in the compact Swiss defense. Hero of the last match Richarlison hardly found the ball within his control, as he was a shade of the previous match, while Raphinha & Vinicius on the flanks, found little joy in their crosses, barring one superb floating cross by Raphinha in the 26th  minute, which the onrushing Vini could not connect properly & Sommer managed to fist out. The 1st half was frustrating to watch as Brazil looked content to hold back & in fact, Switzerland almost scored through Ruben Vargas when keeper Alisson was alert to dive & avert any danger. 

2nd half had more purpose in the game, as Richarlison kept making a mess of some superb through balls from Vini & Casemero, while Raphinha provided the width. Finally around the hour mark, Casemero threaded a beautiful pass to Vini who went past Widmer & took a second to slot the ball past Swiss keeper Sommer into the bottom corner, as the Samba music went into a crescendo - however, the ref having initially given the goal, got some message on his earphone from the officials & after a long VAR check  ruled Richarlison offside in the build up to the goal, much to the chagrin of the Brazil supporters. Brazil looked more intent now & attacked in waves as Swiss defense fought out resolutely. In the 83rd minute Brazil had their breakthrough, as Vini's pass is flicked by Rodrygo & on the bounce Casemiro volleyed into the net, with the entire defense looking in horror, as Brazil lead 1-0. The deadlock had been broken & Brazilian class started to flow, as chances after chances began to evolve. Vini, Rodrygo & substitute Jesus, all missed easy chances to improve the scoresheet. Casemiro typifies a defensive midfielder, who is solid in protection & yet provides the ability to go forward & score when necessary. Brazil look solid in defense & midfield, but the attacking third has to improve on scoring, as in the later stages, they wont have the luxury to miss so many, & I am sure Coach Tite would be working on this aspect. Fred, who was drafted into the playing eleven in place of Neymar, was a huge disappointment & the management will have to iron out this area quickly.  The two games till now have not displayed the free flowing Joga Bonito football we are accustomed to & perhaps that's the technical capability of this team to wean through difficult opponents, & carve out the necessary goal.  

The win keeps Brazil on top of the group & they become the 2nd team after France to qualify for the knock out stages. They have a match against Cameroon next week, while Switzerland play Serbia, needing a win to qualify.