Brazil vs Switzerland
Forty-five thousand passionate fans will pack into the Rostov Arena on Sunday because the Samba Boys are in town and the World Cup is about to party.
The hosts Russia put on a five-star show in the opener to get things going, but no one can deny that the biggest draw in the world is Brazil. And we have a cracking game to look forward to as the tournament favourites meet a bang in-form Switzerland in their Group E opener.
Talking Points
Of all the FIFA 2018 stories, the biggest so far has been how Neymar returned from injury, all guns blazing and scoring a spectacular goal in his comeback game against Croatia. Fans around the world are licking their lips at the prospect of seeing him in action.
This lad is box office. With 53 goals in 83 international appearances, the PSG striker is the hottest property on the planet and is sure to light up FIFA 2018 news pages. And he’s not just a world-class poacher: he contributed the most assists of anyone during South American qualifying. All of which is great news for Manchester City’s young star Gabriel Jesus. The 21-year-old striker has recovered from injury to shine in the Premier League, scoring his club’s last goal of the season as the Sky Blues accumulated a record 100 points.
Head coach Tite has an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal, with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, Barca’s Philippe Coutinho and Chelsea’s Willian all arriving in Russia in scintillating form. The 57-year-old has done a lot with this side since taking over two years ago, and there’s plenty more to come.
And our FIFA 2018 predictions and updates will be right there as all the spectacular action unfolds.
So what of Switzerland? Well, if anyone can keep the Samba Boys at bay, then Vladimir Petkovic’s side has a chance. The Swiss conceded just seven goals in qualifying for Russia and are currently placed sixth in the FIFA World Ranking list, marginally ahead of the heavily backed France.
Young Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji has emerged with great credit over the last couple of years and, with the likes of Arsenal’s forceful Granit Xhaka in midfield, the Switzerland rearguard takes some breaking down. But World Cup potential winner…I don’t think so. Their haughty FIFA ranking owes much to their defensive prowess and organisation; but they struggle to score.
Stoke’s much-sought-after star Xherdan Shaqiri is his country’s top scorer with 20 goals. His dead-ball ability is probably Switzerland’s best chance, so watch out for Xhaka trying to rile the Brazilians!
Tite’s team is outright tournament favourites at 4.80 and really needs to lay the ghost of that terrible night in Brazil four years ago, when they were destroyed 7-1 by Germany in front of their tearful home fans. That semi-final exit still haunts them, but Tite has helped to heal the scars and has his team smiling again and firing on all cylinders.
Who’s going to bet against them now?
History
Believe it or not, Switzerland held their own against the Samba Boys in head-to-heads, winning one each and drawing a third. A Dani Alves own goal gave the Swiss a victory in the last meeting, a friendly in 2013.
Switzerland have reached the World Cup quarter-finals three times, between 1938 and 1954, and this team probably represents their best opportunity to reach the last eight since then. With four wins and two draws from the last six, the Swiss are in fine form.
Five-time champions Brazil stormed the South American qualifying group and have won the last four games, scoring nine goals without reply.
What are the odds?
Good form or no, Switzerland have one heck of a task to cope with Brazil according to our SBOBET odds. With a -1.25 handicap Brazil are at 2.01 to win, and Switzerland are at 1.93 with that + 1.25 goal advantage.
If you fancy a Brazil goal-fest, or perhaps a Shaqiri free-kick exhibition, then you can back Over 2.50 goals at 1.87, while Under is at 2.03.
Brazil will be keen to lay the ghost of 2014 quickly with a fast start, and a half-time lead looks good value at 1.96. Frustration for the favourites is at odds of 2.78, if Switzerland wins or draws.
The Swiss are at 1.86 to get out of this group, and could still succeed, win lose or draw.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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