World Cup: Brazil edge Switzerland with late, stunning goal

A late moment of brilliance saw Brazil guarantee their qualification for the World Cup knockout stages, after the favorites beat a tough Switzerland defense 1-0 in its second game of the tournament. 

The only goal in the game came on 83 minutes, scored by midfielder and unquestionable man-of-the-match Casemiro, who received a cute no-look pass from Rodrygo and unleashed a right-footed strike into the top corner. The shot took a slight deflection, enough to take it away from Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

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Alongside France, only Brazil has won both its group matches so far. The last Brazilian loss in the group stage came in 1998 — the unbeaten streak now extends to 17 matches.

Brazil thought they had opened the scoring on 63 minutes, when Real Madrid’s Vini Jr. had the ball in the back of the net after an incisive breakaway. Celebrations were in vain, as the video assistant referee brought the play back for an earlier Richarlison offside.

Brazil lacked the creativity of top star Neymar, who missed the match after picking up an ankle injury in the 2-0 win against Serbia.

Neymar’s absence resulted in a relatively more conservative starting 11, as he was replaced with the more defensive-minded Fred in midfield, while the team also missed Juventus’ right-back Danilo, with slightly-out-of-position Real Madrid center-back Eder Militão taking his spot in the line up.

It took 26 minutes for Brazil to register their first shot on goal, in what was the most dangerous passage of play in the first half. Brazil’s two wingers combined as Raphinha found Vini Jr. with a left-footed cross but the latter’s right-footed volley was not clean enough to beat Sommer, who pushed the ball away for a corner. 

Coach Tite tried to change the shape of the game with the introduction of Real Madrid striker Rodrygo for midfielder Lucas Paquetá at half-time, but the Swiss came from the locker room more solid than Brazil, who were unable to repeat their dominance from game one.

By breaking the tie, Brazil changed the complexion of the game. Rodrygo had opportunities to double their lead, stopped by the goalkeeper first and a last-ditch defensive tackle later. 

Avoiding a second Brazilian goal could be crucial for Switzerland, as goal difference could be a tie-breaker in the dispute for Group G’s last spot in the round of 16, if Cameroon pull off a stunning upset against Brazil. 

The Swiss play Serbia on Friday, who also harbor hopes of reaching the knockout.

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