World Cup: Brazil can secure qualification with win over Switzerland

Brazil return to the pitch this afternoon for their second World Cup Group G match, knowing that a win against opponents Switzerland would guarantee their passage to the tournament’s last 16.

Earlier today, the other Group G match between Serbia and Cameroon ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, meaning that neither side could catch Brazil were they to win this afternoon in Stadium 974, in Doha. Likewise, a Switzerland win would guarantee their place in the knockout round after they won their opener against Cameroon.

Bookmakers heavily favor Brazil, with a win paying odds of just 1-to-2. A Switzerland win, meanwhile, is far less likely at 6-to-1.

Brazil will be without their star forward Neymar, who went off injured in the 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday. Juventus right-back Danilo is battling an ankle injury, and the pair will miss at least Brazil’s next two matches.

According to press reports, Neymar’s ankle swelling has improved, and the star could be available to coach Tite for Friday’s group-stage closing match against Cameroon. If Brazil clinch their qualification today, however, Neymar is likely to be spared until the round of 16.

Coach Tite has selected Eder Militão to take Danilo’s place in the starting 11, despite the Real Madrid man usually playing in the center of defense — and not as a full-back. However, Militão began his career in Brazil as a right-back, and has deputized in the position for his club on occasion.

Replacing Neymar, Tite will opt for a more conservative approach, introducing Manchester United’s defensive midfielder Fred, and pushing the creative Lucas Paquetá into a more advanced role.

The last time Neymar missed a World Cup match for Brazil was in the 2014 semi-finals, when the national team lost 7-1 to Germany. He had suffered a spine injury in the quarter-final win over Colombia.

Besides the two injury call-offs, Brazil remain unchanged from their World Cup debut. Richarlison, fresh from his brace against Serbia, will lead the line in attack, supported by Raphinha on the right and Vinícius Júnior on the left.

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