Hot favourites Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in the last match of Super Sunday.
The five-time world champions are looking like the most in-form and balances team in the competition. The way they played in the warm-up games, it is safe to say that the opposition will have their task cut out in stopping them. The South Americans were the first team to qualify for the tournament. And they continued their impressive form in their warm-up games. Their star-studded forward line of Willian, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Neymar all looked in good shape in wins over Croatia and Austria.
Brazil have lost once in 21 games under Tite. With form on their side, they would be desperate to banish some demons after being humiliated 7-1 by Germany at the last World Cup as hosts.
On the other hand, Switzerland will also be confident of a good show. Ranked sixth in the world, they won nine games in a row in qualifying. They were also unbeaten in four warm-up games, including a 1-1 draw with Spain.
With both the teams in great form, one can expect a blockbuster of a clash.
Sportzwiki brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash between the two sides.
Venue and time:
Brazil and Switzerland will lock horns at the Rostov Arena. The action will begin at 9:30 PM IST.
Players to look out for:
For the star-studded Brazil, all eyes will be on their talisman Neymar. The Paris Saint-Germain made a stunning comeback after a lengthy injury absence, netting twice in the warm-ups. Tite has a talent-stacked squad but Neymar remains the likely key to an unprecedented sixth world title.
Switzerland will be banking on Xherdan Shaqiri to deliver the goods. The former Bayern Munich star has long been his nation’s major creative force and will be looking to impress again.
Where to watch:
The Indians fans will enjoy an extensive coverage of the game. The English coverage will be shown on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels. The Hindi feed will be aired on SONY TEN 3 SD and HD channels. Bengali and Malayali feed will be available on SONY ESPN SD channel.
Squads:
| Position | Brazil players |
| Goalkeepers | Alisson, Ederson, Cassio |
| Defenders | Miranda, Marquinhos, Thiago, Marcelo, Luis, Fagner, Geromel, Danilo |
| Midfielders | Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Augusto, Coutinho, Willian, Fred |
| Forwards | Jesus, Firmino, Costa, Taison, Neymar |
| Position | Switzerland players |
| Goalkeepers | Burki, Mvogo, Sommer |
| Defenders | Akanji, Djourou, Elvedi, Lang, Lichtsteiner, Moubandje, Rodriguez, Schar |
| Midfielders | Behrami, Dzemaili, Fernandes, Freuler, Shaqiri, Xhaka, Zakaria, Zuber |
| Forwards | Drmic, Embolo, Gavranovic, Seferovic |
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