Group E at the World Cup continues on Sunday, June 17th with Brazil taking on Switzerland, and Brazil are major favorites to win this group. Brazil has to be inspired after being embarrassed at home at the last World Cup, but Switzerland are a well-disciplined team who can be frustrating to their opponents.
What To Know About Brazil
Brazil won their CONMEBOL group and are five-time winners of the World Cup, the most recent of which came in 2002. They finished fourth in 2014 at home after they were drubbed 7-1 by Germany in the semifinals, a game in which Neymar was injured and couldn’t play. Neymar is injured once again and he should be ready for the tournament, but his fitness will be a question as he has sat out since March after injuring his foot with Paris Saint-Germain. Brazil has a lot of talent with Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus up front, then there is William and Phillippe Coutinho in front of Fernandinho and Casemiro in midfield. PSG teammates Thiago Silva and captain Dani Alves lead the defense in front of keeper Alisson, although Ederson could be in line for a call after an excellent season with Manchester City. Still, as talented as Brazil is, they need a healthy Neymar to be favorites to win the World Cup. When he is on his game, Neymar is one of the top three or four players on the planet.
What To Know About Switzerland
Switzerland got to the round of 16 at the last World Cup, but they had to edge Northern Ireland by a score of 1-0 over two legs to return to the tournament. Ricardo Rodriguez scored the penalty that sent Switzerland to Russia, while Haris Seferovic scored four goals to lead Switzerland in qualification. Seferovic now has 11 goals in 49 games for his country and will have to take whatever chances he can get, especially in this game. Xherdan Shaqiri should be headed to Russia with the team after scoring four goals at the last World Cup, including a hat trick against Honduras to put Switzerland through. Granit Xhaka has to be better in midfield for his country than he was for Arsenal this season, Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner leads from the back along with Fabian Schar, while Yann Sommer was also the #1 keeper for Switzerland in 2014.
Outlook
Brazil are massive favorites for this game at 1.33, while Switzerland comes in at 9.00 and a draw is rated at 5.00. The two drew 2-2 at the 1950 World Cup, then Brazil won 2-1 in a friendly in 2006 and Switzerland returned the favor with a 1-0 win in 2013. Brazil should win this game with all their talent and if Neymar is healthy, they should control the game. However, Switzerland aren’t going to make it easy for them and if they can take their chances via Seferovic and Shaqiri (who will be looking to put on a show), anything can happen. This is a very good test for Brazil to open up their World Cup campaign to see how ready they are.
World Cup Betting Pick: Draw
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