In the 31st match of FIFA World Cup 2022, Switzerland took on Brazil as they were outclassed 1-0 by the five-time champions in their second Group G match at the Stadium 974 in Doha. While Switzerland did put up a good show to restrict the men in yellow for almost the entire match, Casemiro’s late goal in the 83rd minute allowed Brazil to clinch the victory and become the second team to qualify for the Round of 16 after defending champions France.
Brazil walked onto the field with the absence of star striker Neymar on their side, who has been rested for the match due to an injury in their previous bout. Switzerland on the other hand, entered the match, looking for a win to stay alive in this tournament. The match begins with Brazil taking early charge, keeping the ball to themselves and crossing it around the field to create early scoring opportunities.
With only 10 minutes remaining in the first half, we are yet to see a goal being scored. Brazil striker Vinicius has missed a couple of opportunities due to unfortunate offsides as he keeps running in too early and the flag goes up, spoiling potential scoring opportunities. Just 2 minutes of extra time added to the first half, which does not do anything to change the scoreboard as both teams end this half goalless. The Swiss defense has managed to keep things airtight and prevent Brazil from opening the scoring in the first half.
The second half begins with Brazil maintaining ball possession. Vinicius and Richarlison have been crossing the ball efficiently at the right spots, keeping the Swiss player on their toes. 55 minutes in, Switzerland made their first attempt on goal in the 2nd half. Brazilian defenders have cleared the danger but the Switzerland side has earned a corner in the process.
Brazil has been enjoying ball possession since the beginning of the half and some brilliant footwork by Vinícius puts the Swiss men under pressure as he sets up Sandro for a cross. The is however blocked and Switzerland get a throw-in, but midfielder Casemiro does well to gain back possession for his team moments later.
64 minutes into the match, Vinicus finds the nets as he makes a super finish darting forward before getting the better of the Swiss keeper, scoring the opening goal for Brazil. But the celebrations didn’t last long as a VAR check revealed that the Real Madrid star ran in early, causing an unfortunate offside and the goal was called off.
As the match proceeds further, a few major replacements for Brazil sees Richarlison being replaced by Gabriel Jesus while Raphinha is replaced by Antony. 83 minutes into the match, and Brazil finally get the goal they were looking for as Casemiro shoots a fantastic volley into the net after a slight deflection from the Swiss defender to give his team a much needed lead. Lucky for the men in Yellow, this goal stands and Brazil are now 1-0 up against the Swiss.
The absence of Neymar was not a problem for Tite’s men, as a stunning volley in the closing minutes by Manchester United star Casemiro gave Brazil a 1-0 win over the Swiss Army. With the thrilling win over Switzerland in the low-scoring encounter, the record-time champions have joined France in the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup.
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