Brazil on Sunday joined the long list of big guns who have failed to fire in their opening games of the 2018 World Cup in Russia after being held to a one all draw by Russia.
The South Americans who are some of the favourites to win this year’s edition of the world’s most coveted football tournament had never failed to win their opening game 40 years ago and thought they would continue with this form but things turned out different in Rostove-on - Don.
Liverpool star forward Phillipe Coutinho opened the scoring with an irresistible long-distance shot curled in off the far post for Brazil’s first goal on 2o minutes.
The five time champions tried to add onto their goal through their front three of Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Willian but the Swiss stood their ground and failed to let them in.
Meanwhile, Switzerland capitalized on a defensive lapse by Brazil’s Casemiro and Miranda for the unmarked Steven Zuber to nod home a Xherdan Shaqiri corner and level matters on the 50th minute mark.
The organised Swiss fought hard and beat off ruthless attacks from Brazil until the end of the game.
Brazil now joined fellow tournament favorites Germany, Spain and Argentina who too failed to win their opening group games in Russia.
Tite’s team now trail Serbia who won their opening against Costa Rica in group E of the World Cup in Russia.
