Switzerland held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their 2018 FIFA World Cup opener, keeping Neymar and other attackers at bay for the most part of the game.
Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the 20th minute, with a stylish volley that beat goalkeeper Yann Sommer, bouncing in off the right post. But coach Vladimir Petkovic’s Swiss players kept their composure and dominated in midfield for long spells in the Group E match.
“I’m proud of my team, of the way they presented themselves, they never gave up,” said Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic.
Switzerland midfielder Steven Zuber headed in the equalizer in the 50th. Mexican referee Cesar Ramos dismissed complaints that Zuber had shoved defender Miranda out of the way before meeting a corner from Xherdan Shaqiri.
“Set pieces are our forte and I practiced them on the training ground and everything came right today, and fortunately it was enough for three points,” Kolarov said. “We will celebrate a bit, but nothing excessive.”
Ramos also ignored a penalty claim late in the second half when Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus was wrestled to the ground by Manuel Akanji.
Petkovic kept his promise to frustrate Brazil, which was seeking redemption from its disastrous 2014 World Cup exit with a 7-1 semifinal defeat on home soil by Germany.
“I’m not happy with the result, we wanted a victory, but anxiety hit us hard. The pressure was great. Some of the chances were quite clear-cut and we should have been more precise.” said Brazil coach, Tite.
