Brazil are through to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 win over Switzerland, which made it two wins from their opening two game of the group G.
Winless in their last two meetings with Swizerland, it was never going to be easier for Tite’s side to conquer Switzerland, more so without Neymar Junior, who has been sidelined for the rest of the group games following an injury against Serbia.
The first half ended goalless despite Brazil threatening on occasions but were unable to find the breakthrough. Vinicius Junior thought he has had his nation in front just four minutes after the hour mark but his well taken goal was disallowed for a Richarlison offside in the buildup.
The winner finally came eight minutes before the end of normal time as Vinicius Junior feeds substitute, Rodrygo Goes, who flicked the ball towards Casemiro in the box, and the Manchester United midfielder unleashed one, leaving Yann Sommer no chance.
Brazil go six points and are through to the next round while Switzerland, already on three points will be looking to get a win against Serbia to see them reach the next round while a draw can also do it, depending on the outcome between Brazil and Cameroon.
Having not faced a single shot on target in their game against Serbia and now Switzerland, Brazil become in just the first nation to do so in FIFA World Cup games in a single edition after France did it twice in 1998 and 1966.
They also become the second team to book the ticket for the next round after France and they will continue to push for a first World Cup title for the country since 2002 by emerging as group winner when they face Cameroon, which a draw will be enough.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
