World Cup: Brazil Could Have Difficulty Breaking Down Switzerland
Brazil vs. Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox Sports 1
- Brazil -237
- Switzerland +845
- Draw +376
Bet to Watch:
Under 2.5 goals +102
Brazil are the favorites to win the tournament and are obviously strong favorites against Switzerland, but it's a mistake to think this match will be a blowout. Switzerland have a strong defensive side; they only conceded seven times during qualifying. Crucially, they don't defend passively, but rather press higher up the field and interfere with their opponent's midfield as they attempt to build an attack.
Switzerland's weakness is their attack. They aren't effective turning defense into offense, which isn't surprising given that their most dangerous attacker is Xherdan Shaqiri, last seen getting relegated with Stoke City.
Brazil aren't likely to be threatened by Switzerland, but overcoming the Swiss defense will be a challenge. Brazil's ball-stopping midfield of Paulinho, Fernandinho and Casemiro are not creative passers. Thus, they will have a tough time passing through the Swiss press, and if the Brazilian wingers drop back to support them, that means they aren't putting heat on the back line. Neymar is impossible to deal with, but as a defense, you'd rather deal with him around the halfway line than attacking the penalty area.
Brazil should take care of business here, but it seems unlikely they'll slice Switzerland open to the tune of three, four or five goals. Expect them to have to do some heavy lifting to break Switzerland down before a special moment from one of their special attackers unlocks the door.
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