At any World Cup, Brazil are going to be one of the favorites. Brazil and football are synonymous. The country has won five World Cups, more than any other nation, and they are always one of the teams to beat. Brazil are a massive favorite to win Group E, and they are looking to follow through on the oddsmakers’ promise.
Switzerland are looking to keep that from happening. It’s a tall task, but Switzerland have performed well over the last few years. They made it out of the Group Stage at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Euros, and the Swiss are favored to be the second team out of the group.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 17, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Switzerland +726
Brazil -238
Draw +365
Over/Under 2.5
Recent Form
Brazil was the one team that did not have any trouble qualifying for Russia out of South America. The Selecao were one of the first teams to punch their ticket to the World Cup, and the soccer-mad nation knows it has a great chance to win its sixth title next month.
This country has shown its mettle in friendlies over the last few months. Brazil was able to beat Russia 3-0 and Germany 1-0 in March, and they cruised to a 2-0 win over Croatia and a 3-0 win over Austria earlier this month. Posting shutouts in all four games was awfully impressive, and now Brazil has gone six matches without allowing a goal.
Switzerland used its defense in order to make it to the World Cup. The Swiss finished second to Portugal in their qualifying group, and then they needed to get past Northern Ireland to qualify for Russia.
The Swiss have performed very well in their four friendlies leading up to the World Cup. Switzerland knocked off Greece 1-0 and destroyed Panama 6-0 in March. Their dominance against Panama showed what this team can do when everything is clicking on offense. Earlier this month, they used their defense to secure a draw with Spain and then knocked off Japan 2-0.
Player to Watch
Granit Xhaka is one of the toughest players in the world, and he will be key for Switzerland in this one. Xhaka is a gifted passer and a good creator. He is one of the best table setters on this Swiss team, and that will be key in other matches.
Against Brazil though, his role will be to dispossess the opposition in the midfield. Xhaka has the skill to do the job. He is very good in a defensive role, and that is needed against such a talented squad. The one concern is that he sometimes skirts the line between fair and foul. He is penalized often and has picked up a lot of red cards for Arsenal. Xhaka can’t go into the book in this one.
Matchup to Watch
Brazil are exceptionally talented in the attack. This team has a plethora of options to choose from, and that’s a scary proposition for Switzerland. In the midfield, Philippe Coutinho and Fernandinho are excellent creators, while Neymar and Roberto Firmino are two of the best finishers in the world.
Switzerland has one of the better defenses at the World Cup but stopping Brazil is hard. Even if they park the bus, Brazil is likely to eventually break through. Their best hope is to counter and get good chances when possible.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
There is too much talent on Brazil’s roster to not get a win here. The Brazilians will pressure Switzerland’s back line throughout the match, and they will eventually break through. Look for them to win by multiple goals here.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Brazil 2, Switzerland 0
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