After a strong start to their FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, Brazil, deemed as tournament favorites will this evening face Switzerland in a Group G clash at Stadium 974.
The Brazilians recorded a resounding 2-0 win in their opening match against Serbia and their performance lived up to the expectations placed on them before the start of the tournament.
On the other hand, Switzerland proved their worth in their first match with a 1-0 win over Cameroon. It was a clean sheet for goalkeeper Yann Sommer who was rarely tested by the Cameroonian attacking front, thanks to the solid defensive prowess of the Swiss side.
Swiss striker Breel Embolo scored the only goal in the opening fixture against the country of his birth which was followed by a muted celebration as a show of respect.
Head-to-Head
This will be the third meeting between Brazil and Switzerland at the World Cup with the first meeting being at the 1950 edition (2-2) while the other meeting was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia which ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, Switzerland’s recent record against South American teams has not been impressive, winning just one from 8 meetings, drawing two, and losing 5.
Brazil are unbeaten in their last 16 group-stage matches at the World Cup.
Form
Both teams recorded wins to go joint top of Group G with Brazil topping the table on goal difference.
In their 1-nil triumph over Cameroon, Switzerland managed to keep a clean sheet for only the second time in their last 10 fixtures.
With Sommer in top form, there is no doubt they will make it tough for Brazil to penetrate.
Brazil’s win over Serbia sealed an eighth successive victory for the five-time World Cup winners, and have remained unbeaten since their defeat in the 2021 Copa America final.
Players to Watch
Brazil coach Tite may need to make some tactical adjustments with Neymar expected to miss the next two matches after suffering an ankle ligament injury in the latter stages of the match against Serbia.
The Paris Saint-Germain player was given a free role once again for the national side but he could be replaced by midfielders like Manchester United’s Fred.
After answering his critics with a perfect performance and a brace, Richarlison will be one of the players to look out for in the Brazil squad.
Other notables will be Vinicius Junior who will have more to do to unlock the opponent’s defense, with Thiago Silva expected to offer stability at the back and protect the reliable Liverpool FC shot-stopper Alison Becker.
The center-back duo of Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji will come in handy for the Swiss in their bid to keep a clean sheet.
Goalkeeper Sommer will fancy his chances of keeping another clean sheet against a much-fancied Brazil.
For goals, Breel Embolo will be the main man upfront and will rely on Shaqiri and Xhaxa for some attacking support in the middle and wide areas for the swiss side.
PREDICTION, BETTING TIP, AND ODDS
Brazil will look to seal their qualification to the round of 16. They will definitely run riot and aim at winning this match. TRY A DIRECT WIN FOR BRAZIL 1 @ 1.50.
