Brazil share points with Switzerland in day of shock results

Brazil 1 (Coutinho 19′)
Switzerland 1 (Zuber 49′)

By Caleb Mitchell

Brazil have joined a host of powerhouses including Germany, Argentina, Spain and Portugal to open their World Cup campaigns without a win after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Rostov Arena

The result capped off a series of shock results on day four of Russia 2018 after world number one Germany was beaten by Mexico.

Switzerland asserted their intentions early on as Xherdan Shaqiri created a chance with a header for Blerim Dzemaili who came close to opening the scoring inside three minutes.

Brazil survived that early raid to create an opportunity at the other end as Philippe Coutinho set up Paulinho who sprayed his shot wide from close range.

But Coutinho wouldn’t be denied twice. In the 19^th minute, he struck a long range screamer to give Brazil a 1-0 lead in what was arguably the goal of the tournament so far.

Thiago Silva and Gabriel Jesus both had chances to score off corners later in the first half, but Brazil failed to capitalise on its dominance to lead by a solitary goal at the break.

Early in the second half, a Shaqiri corner was headed home by Zuber to provide a 49^th minute equaliser for Switzerland, exposing some poor marking in the Brazilian defence.

Neymar attempted to make his mark in the 68^th minute when he played in Coutinho but the Barcelona man sprayed his shot wide of the goal.

Brazil would plead for penalty claiming Zuber had pushed Miranda in the penalty area, but the referee was not interested and did not even defer to the video assistant referee system.

Brazil had two late opportunities to snatch a late winner. A set piece from Neymar found its way to Paulinho but his deflection was well-saved by Swiss keeper Sommer.

And then in added time, a quick corner from Marcelo gave Miranda a shooting chance but his effort bounced just wide of the post to leave the Brazilians frustrated with a draw.