Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland as the World Cup favourites failed to begin their campaign with a victory.
The Seleção looked to be headed towards all three points when Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho marked his World Cup debut with a superb curled finish from distance, early in the first-half.
But Brazil failed to build on their lead and were pegged back when Hoffenheim midfielder Steven Zuber headed home for the Swiss.
Brazil pushed for a winner late on but failed to turn their pressure into a winning goal, leaving Serbia as the unlikely leaders of Group E after the first round of matches.
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratingsShow all 24 1 /24Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Brazil
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Alisson - 7 out of 10 Had little to do, and was unable to show the kind of form that’s meant he keeps Ederson out of the Brazilian goal.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Danilo - 7 Had little to do defensively, and will face tougher tests against more dangerous opposition.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Thiago Silva - 7 There’s still questions over the Brazilian defence, and Silva looked uncertain at times here, one of those to be out of position for the Swiss goal.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Miranda - 6 A mix up with Alisson in the first half didn’t fill the defender with confidence, and he should’ve been stronger for Zuber’s goal.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Marcelo - 7 As ever an attacking threat as much as a defender. Faced some pressure from Lichtsteiner but stood up to it well.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Paulinho - 7 Playing with plenty of confidence in this Brazilian team, and his balls set free the players in front of him on a couple of occasions.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Casemiro - 7 Pivotal in providing the balance for Brazil, he added to the attack as well as protecting the defence, subbed early for Fernandinho.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Philippe Coutinho - 8 His brilliant strike was the difference between the two sides in the first half, and looked the most likely to score throughout.
Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Willian - 7 Some promising moments and skill, without overly impressing. Needs to work on a final ball after beating his defender.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Gabriel Jesus - 6 Had little clear chances to work off, and was well marshalled by a physical Swiss defence.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Neymar Jr - 7 Felt the full force of the Switzerland defenders and was fouled continuously, looked frustrated and was guilty of taking on one too many Swiss players.
FIFA via Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Switzerland
Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Yann Sommer - 7 Could do nothing for Coutinho’s world class finish, and looked a reasonably safe pair of hands.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Stephan Lichtsteiner - 8 Isolated against Marcelo, Neymar and Coutinho down the Swiss right, but stood up to the challenge well.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Fabian Schär - 7 Earnt a yellow card as one of many to foul Neymar, but dealt well with the attacking talent on show.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Manuel Akanji - 7 Survived a half-hearted penalty shout from Gabriel Jesus, and that physical approach stood him in good stead against the forward.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Ricardo Rodriguez - 7 His strengths are with his attacking play, but spent much of the game defending against Willian.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Valon Behrami - 8 Superb first half, controlled midfield and frustrated Neymar whilst keeping on the right side of the referee.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Granit Xhaka - 6 Had a couple of passes go astray, and as one of the most talented figures in the Swiss camp, he will need to offer more.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Xherdan Shaqiri - 6 Isolated, and as ever did little to help his defenders by tracking back. One of the few Swiss that can turn a game in a moment, so will be excused for his laziness.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Blerim Dzemaili - 7 Offered some attacking intent going forward but missing a little bit of real talent, but his attacking teammates didn’t help.
AFP/Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Steven Zuber - 7 Got the all-important goal for Switzerland to get them back in the game, but was quiet for the rest of it.
Getty Images
Brazil vs Switzerland: Player ratings Haris Seferovic - 6 Lacking quality and looked unlikely to score other than from a set piece with his height. Could pose problems with little striking options to pick from.
Getty Images
Check the gallery above as we run the rule over the two teams. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below .
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies