The Brazilians are there, so a few precautions couldn’t hurt. For example, on the subway, golden line towards Ras Bu Abboud, the Qataris have cordoned off the first two carriages for women and children, while energetically sending the canary yellow fans further back, so that there they can sing their love songs to the Seleção and their musical be able to swear against Lionel Messi. But the women and children are missing out: It’s certainly not often that there’s such an exuberant atmosphere in Doha’s local transport.
The Swiss had every reason to be wary in their second group game on Monday night, although their 1-0 win over Cameroon had put them in a splendid position to reach the knockout rounds. But the Brazilians don’t just bring the samba into the stadiums with their drums and whistles, they also bring a different quality to the pitch than the Cameroonians. On the other hand: Do you have to make yourself smaller than you already are just because it’s against one of the favourites?
The Swiss national coach Murat Yakin did not intend to do that. Not only did he send almost the same eleven onto the pitch of Doha’s 974 Stadium as against Cameroon (only Xherdan Shaqiri remained on the bench in place of Fabian Rieder) – he also sent them boldly forward. The Swiss had little to lose after group rivals Cameroon and Serbia drew 3-3. And so a halfway open exchange of blows ensued with similar ball possession shares for both. That was a bigger compliment for Switzerland than for Brazil.
In the end, however, the Brazilians won, ultimately thanks to a Swiss pos. Because Manuel Akanji’s buttocks got in the way of a brilliant volley from Casemiro and deflected the ball, Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer had no chance (83′). The 1-0 win safely puts Brazil in the round of 16.
Neymar did not travel to the stadium
For the Brazilians, a lot has revolved around two injured ankles in the last few days: Neymar’s and Danilo’s. Neymar’s ankle is of course considered a much greater treasure because of its owner’s prominence. Pictures of swelling quickly made the rounds after Neymar had to be substituted in the 2-0 opener against Serbia. Since then, the malady part of the body has been cared for almost around the clock – which is why the captain of the Seleção did not travel to the stadium as a spectator and prominent supporter. Danilo, on the other hand, accompanied the team, but was also not operational. Brazil coach Tite had to change two positions: Fred replaced Neymar, Eder Militao defended instead of Danilo.
Almost the entire arena was bathed in yellow and blue, the Brazilian fans drummed and cheered – but for a long time the optical and acoustic superiority was not transferred to their team. The Brazilian game seemed a bit dimmed, the last conviction was missing. Really good chances? There were only two in the first half. Once Sommer cleared with a strong reflex against Vinicius Junior (27th). And a shot attempt by Raphinha was even easier for the Borussia Mönchengladbach keeper (31′). Otherwise it was a single cross and flank heads out, long-range shooting and long-range shot blocking, here and there.
The Brazilians managed their first really effective action in the 64th minute. The Swiss were unable to prevent a through pass from Bruno Guimaraes, and the ball quickly ran through Casemiro to Vinicius Junior – but the video referee canceled his goal, and half an elbow was exposed as offside.
The expected class difference could only be seen in the last half hour. Nothing more than Casemiro’s winning goal came out of it. The Brazilian fans still left in a good mood – so it would be loud again in the Doha metro, golden line towards Al-Azizyah.