Olympics: Brazil retain men’s football gold medal with extra time goal
Everton forward Richarlison, who came to the final as the tournament's best scorer with five goals, took to the spot but blazed the ball over the bar
Brazil and Switzerland open their Group E account at the Rostov Arena on Sunday with both teams in fine form going into the 2018 World Cup.
2018 FIFA World Cup
17 June 2018
Group E
Kick-off: 23:30 IST (17 June)
Venue: Rostov Arena
Referee: C. Ramos
Assistants: M. Torrentera, M. Hernandez
Fourth official: J. Pitti
Fifth official: G. Victoria
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Previous encounter:
Switzerland 1-0 Brazil (Friendly) 14/08/2013
Switzerland goalscorer: D. Alves (48′ OG)
Players to watch:
Neymar will be carrying the hopes of a nation in Russia, after the Samba star saw his World Cup dream cruelly ended by injury against Colombia in the quarter-finals on home soil four years ago. The Canarinho couldn’t cope without their talisman in the semi-finals as they suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to eventual champions Germany.
Xherdan Shaqiri is the darling of Swiss fans and reminded the world of his talent with a sumptuous overhead-kick against Poland at Euro 2016, where Die Nati reached the last 16. The 26-year-old winger hasn’t scored for his country in 12 months, but will be looking to put himself in the shop window against Brazil following Stoke’s relegation from the Premier League this past season.
Team news:
Neymar stepped off the bench to score in the recent 2-0 win over Croatia before netting as a starter against Austria last weekend, and is expected to start again today. It will interesting to see who leads the line, but Gabriel Jesus will more likely pip Roberto Firmino for a starting berth.
Switzerland have no injury issues, and have a fit squad to choose from.
Prediction:
Brazil 3-1 Switzerland
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