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2018 FIFA World Cup Group E Match 3 Recap

Switzerland ad Brazil are moving on

By Pedro Dorantes

Brazil and Switzerland are now in the round of 16 as they finished in the top two spots of Group E

First Halves

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Brazil started the first half as usual, they showed quick feet and good passing. Brazil’s rhythm got disrupteded early as Marcelo was forced to leave the game due to injury. The Brazilian midfielder was replaced by David Luiz on the pitch.

Serbia was unable to do much other than defend. Defensive work turned into a challenge for the Serbs as Brazil’s quick pace changes made things tough for the Europeans.

Business picked up Nizhny

Switzerland was being dominated at Nizhny for the first 20 minutes of the half. Costa Rica controlled ball possession and generated plenty of scoring chances. All of them, without luck. Whenever Costa Rica got in trouble, Keylor Navas was able to handle the shots.

Things changed as the Swiss moved quickly up the field, allowing them to score. Blerim Dzemaili gave Switzerland the lead at the 31st minute of play.

From that point on, the Swiss took control of the first half.

Collective Play Pays Off

Brazil was able to break through the Serb no-nonsense defense with a beautiful, yet practical play.

Paulinho scored striking a ball in mid air off a long trough ball by Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilians were up by one at the 35th minute.

Serbia’s lack of offensive production seemed frightening as they still had no shots on goal by the 40th minute.

Halftime arrived and both games registered identical scores. Brazil and Switzerland were up by one.

Second Halves

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Serbia looked like an entirely different team during the early stages of the second half. They had a much more aggressive look as almost the entire squad was set to level the score.

The South American defense looked stunned as they were caught on the wrong foot multiple times. Brazil was able to hang on to their lead thanks to multiple saves by goalkeeper Allison.

The Game Got Wild

Back at Ninhzy, Costa Rica regained control of the match. The Tico XI got its equalizer early into the second half.

Kendall Watson slammed the ball into the back of the net at the 56th minute. 1-1 read the score.

Josip Drmic gave Switzerland the momentary lead at the 88th minute with a bullet to the low corner of the net.

The Swiss were going to pull it off giving the fact that time was running out, but Costa Rica had other things in mind.

Bryan Ruiz kicked a penalty awarded to the Costa Ricans on aggregate. Ruiz’s kick hit the crossbar, nonetheless, the ball came back down only to find the back of the head of keeper Yann Sommer.

Ball in and the score was tied at 2, in what was certainly, a very bizarre goal.

Brazil seals the deal

The South Americans were still on defense as the Serbian team kept attacking. Brazil played a desperate style of defense as the Serb XI showed quickness and good ball movement near the box.

Unfortunately for the European squad, Brazil found some luck off set pieces. They only needed a corner kick to strike for a second and final time.

Thiago Silva scored off a nice header at the 67th minute, giving Brazil a two goal lead.

The game then settled into a lower pace of play and did not feature the same excitement as the first half.

Brazil came out with the win while Costa Rica and Switzerland tied at the end of regulation.

The Swiss and the Brazilians are moving on to the round of 16, Switzerland will face Sweden while La Canarinha will clash with Mexico.

 

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