Brazil defeats Switzerland in the World Cup, even without the help of Neymar.
Casemiro scored in the 83rd minute with a shot from inside the area to put Brazil into the round of 16 with a match from outside Group G.
Brazil striker Neymar stayed at the team hotel to be treated for a right ankle injury sustained in the opening match in Qatar. Team doctors have not yet set a timeline for his return – or said if he will return at all.
The victory gave Brazil six points from two matches and left Switzerland with three points. Serbia and Cameroon, who drew 3-3 earlier Monday, have a point each.
Switzerland, who had no tries on goal, needed to win their last match against Serbia to secure their place in the next stage. A draw may be enough depending on the Brazil-Cameroon match.
The result extended Brazil’s unbeaten run in the group stage to 17 matches, with 14 wins and three draws. They have only lost one of their last 29 group stage matches, the last defeat being against Norway in 1998 in France.
Switzerland have lost only two of their last 13 group stage matches at the World Cup.
It was a tight game early on, with both teams trying to take control of the game but not creating many important chances. Without the injured playmaker, Brazil struggled to get close to Switzerland’s territory until Casemiro scored a superb goal once into the far corner, using the outside of his right foot to curl a shot that narrowly deflected defender Manuel Akanji.
Brazil coach Tite replaced Neymar with midfielder Fred, releasing Lucas Paqueta to play close up attack. Eder Militao, who plays as a central defender in Real Madrid, came in place of Danilo in the right-back position instead of the veteran Dani Alves.
With Paqueta unable to create much for Brazil, Tite started the second half with Rodrigo in the squad. Richarlison, who scored both of Brazil’s goals in the opening match, was ineffective and was substituted in the second half.
Vinicius Jr thought he had given Brazil the lead with a shot from inside the area after a pass from Casemiro in the 64th minute, but a video review determined there was an offside in the build-up. Few noticed until the VAR call was announced at Stadium 974.
Both teams won their opening matches, with Brazil defeating Serbia 2-0 and Switzerland defeating Cameroon 1-0. Brazil and Switzerland also met in the group stage in 2018 and drew 1-1.
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