Switzerland won't roll over for Brazil
The top two after the first round of matches in Group G at the 2022 World Cup go head to head as Brazil take on Switzerland. A Seleção eventually broke Serbia's defensive resistance in the second half of their game, with Richarlison bagging a brace (including a spectacular second) to take the favourites for the competition top of their standings on goal difference. Their opponents for Monday's game at Stadium 974 in Ras Abu Aboud rarely looked like conceding to Cameroon and edged that encounter 1-0. Whilst most observers heavily favour Tite's men, the A-Team are, on their day, more than capable of scuppering the best laid plans of the traditional men's football superpowers. Read our preview here:
One foot in the Alves
Such was Richarlison's performance in the number nine role last week that the emphasis (and onus) on Neymar diminished as a result to the point where his now enforced absence through injury for at least the rest of the group phase might not dampen spirits in the camp all that much. With Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha both looking lively in that opener on the flanks, there are numerous avenues for them to take the game to the opposition. Manchester United's Antony could replace their talisman in a more central role than he normally operates in for the Red Devils, though the most significant changes could come in the midfield double pivot and at right-back - club teammates Fred and Casemiro could partner each other, whilst Dani Alves will be hoping to roll back the years in place of Danilo. The 39 year old, widely regarded as one of the best in his role of all time, is now at Mexican side UNAM for the twilight of his career, and comes into the XI short of match fitness (his last competitive game was back in September) and the pace that was once one of his trademarks. If there is a structural weakness in the team, it could come down his flank on the counter.
The Breel deal
Head coach Murat Yakin cannot afford to go into the game thinking that a narrow defeat wouldn't be the end of the world. Any kind of positive result would put them in pole position to advance to the last 16, especially considering the strength they have throughout the spine of the team from the evergreen Yann Sommer in goal to Breel Embolo up top. The latter finally looks like being the player many expected him to be in his career, leading the line to good effect in a side where the onus is on solidity first and a moment of magic (usually from Xherdan Shaqiri) very much a secondary consideration. With Renato Steffen still an injury doubt, there's little reason for Yakin to change the starting lineup, and it will be interesting to see just how much licence Ricardo Rodríguez will have to get forward from left-back.
Betting tip
As ever, Brazil will seek to dominate both possession and territory, with Switzerland likely to allow these elements to happen - up to a point. The latter need to show a cutting edge in those moments they can hit their vaunted opposition on the counter in a way Serbia couldn't. Casumo have odds of 4.30 for a draw that will keep the teams first and second going into the final group game.
