Yann Sommer und Nico Elvedi lost with the Switzerland national team against Brazil in their second group game. Making the last 16, however, is still in their own hands.
As in the first game against Cameroon (1-0 win), Yann Sommer and Nico Elvedi (photo: imago images Sports Press Photo) as well as former Borussia players Granit Xhaka, Djibril Sow and Breel Embolo were in the starting eleven against title hopefuls Brazil. Switzerland managed to shut out Brazil until the 83rd minute, when a Casemiro strike took a slightly deflection off Manuel Akanji, giving Sommer no chance and Brazil an all-important lead. “We played well for most of the game. We defended well, were compact and did not let much through,” said Borussia’s number one, who put in a typically solid performance in goal for his national team.
Brazil dominated the first half, but did not threaten goal all that often due to disciplined defending from Switzerland. After the change of ends, the South American side increased the pressure. A Vinicius Júnior (64‘) goal, which Elvedi had tried in vain to clear, was ruled out for offside. Switzerland struggled to get out or their own half and were punished with a late goal against them. “We kept losing the ball so quickly again that there was no break, and then it obviously becomes difficult,” said Sommer, before turning his focus straight onto the final group game on Friday (20:00 CET) against Serbia. “We can take a lot of positives with us, especially in terms of defence strength. Offensively, however, we have to put in a better performance.
In the event that they win, Switzerland will definitely make the last 16. If there is no upset in the other game in the form of Cameroon beating Brazil, then Switzerland would also progress with a draw.
