Brazil 1-0 Switzerland: Casemiro sends Brazil into the last 16
Switzerland’s impenetrable defences lasted right up until the 83rd minute, when Casemiro beat Yann Sommer and found the back of the net.
The goal sees Brazil go top of group G and guarantee them a place in the knockouts.
Brazil attempted to start quickly against Switzerland. Within a matter of minutes they won a free kick outside of La Nati’s box. Seleção were so close to silencing the Swiss fans inside, but the ball was swallowed up by the impressive red wall.
As the game ticked over the 12 minute mark, Richarlison almost broke the deadlock. Brazils, sharp passes meant he forward was able to penetrate the Swiss back line but he was unable to link up with Vinicius Jr.
A couple of minutes later, Switzerland’s first major opportunity presented itself following Casemiro’s collision with Swiss forward, Breel Embolo. Switzerland failed to seize this rare moment around the Brazilian box and the free kick did not challenge Tite’s side.
Whilst this Brazil side tried to inject moments of creativity, they struggled to find it’s special ‘je ne sais quoi.’ Opportunities for the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Jr, failed to materialise into goal scoring chances.
Despite controlling possession, Seleção failed to harness the energy of the crowd as the first half drew to a close. The stadium was decked in yellow and green and could have ben lifted straight from Rio de Janeiro but Brazil were playing with as much energy as a carnival caught in a hailstorm.
The first half ended as it began, Brazil 0 0 Switzerland. This is the 16th game at this year’s World Cup to be goalless at the half.
Tite made one attacking change at halftime. Real Madrid winger, Rodrygo came on for West Ham’s Paqueta.
Two yellow cards were awarded five minutes into the second half. Rodrygo ended up with the elbow of Switzerland’s Fabian Rieder in his face. Moments later, Brazil midfielder, Fred tripped up Switzerland’s Djibril Sow.
The first major opportunity came for Brazil as the clocked ticked over the 56th minute. Vinicius Jr was inches away from crossing a wonderful ball to Richarlison which almost certainly would have given the Brazilians the lead.
In the 64th minute the Brazilian fans thought their team had come back to life. Vinicius Jr was picked off by Casemiro, who found the winger with acres of space. However, the VAR gods ruled Richarlison offside during the passage of play and the crowds went from elation to frustration in a matter of seconds.
Following the disallowed goal, Brazil’s tempo start to rise and they had the lions share of possession. La Nati’s defence held strong and continued to hold of challenges from Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.
That was until Manchester United’s Casemiro finally broke through La Nati.
A chip from Vinicius Jr found the foot of Casemiro who beautifully struck the ball on the volley. Sommer could only stand and watch as the ball sailed past him and into the back of the net. The finish from the midfielder guaranteed Seleção’s place in the last 16.
Brazil are unbeaten in a record 17 World Cup group games dating back to 1998.
Switzerland can be proud of their performance but ultimately fell short as Brazil continue to march towards World Cup glory. This result leaves La Nati with a must win game against Serbia if they want to keep their hopes of a last 16 appearance alive.
