Brazil continued the trend of tournament favorites underperforming as their World Cup campaign got off to an ambiguous start at Rostov Arena on Sunday night. Their opponents from Group E were Switzerland and they might feel there were moments when they had a chance to steal all three points without ever pushing enough to manage that feat.
It took a wonderful goal from Coutinho after 20 minutes to get things started after some improving play from the pre-tournament favourites. After that though, it felt like Neymar and co. backed off. They never reached the form they showed in that opening spell and suffered for it.
A Steven Zuber goal from a set-piece saw Petkovic's side draw level and while they deserved it, Brazil took over once it hit the back of the net.
They had chances from Neymar, Firmino, a potental penalty when Gabriel Jesus was pulled down and several more close calls but they couldn't break the Swiss' resolves. Yann Sommer, who won the man of the match award, was awesome in goals too with a number of important stops.
Brazil made a number of changes too with the purpose of unlocking the Swiss defence but to no avail. They will leave the game feeling frustrated that they let a commanding start slip through their hands but the Swiss proved to everyone and themselves that they have what it takes for an unlikely run in the World Cup even if their striking options are somewhat limited.
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