Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup match, as Switzerland pegged them back with a dogged display.
All eyes were on Neymar, who had his moments but fell short of providing the telling impact he’s expected to give.
Here’s how he and his teammates rated.
STARTING XI
Alisson 6 – Could do nothing for Switzerland’s goal, and the other saves he had to make were largely routine.
Danilo 6 – Did well when faced up by the Swiss wide men. However, by the standards of a Brazilian full-back, he provided far too little attacking impetus.
Thiago Silva 7 – As Brazil soaked up the pressure after scoring in the first half, Silva marshalled his defence expertly. Got his teammates back in order after they conceded cheaply.
Miranda 5 – Should have dealt with the corner that led to Switzerland’s goal, but got caught under the ball – the sort of mistake you don’t expect from a veteran defender.
Marcelo 7 – Wearing the captain’s armband seemed to galvanise him, as he displayed a defensive work rate that usually seems beyond him.
Paulinho 5 – Missed a glorious chance to opening the scoring, and didn’t provide his usual muscle in midfield.
Casemiro 6 – Helped Brazil stay compact as they soaked up pressure in the first half, but looked overrun when Switzerland moved through the gears and was duly the first man taken off.
Philippe Coutinho 8 – Scored a trademark long-range goal to get Brazil on their way. Controlled Brazil’s attacking play with excellent vision and passing range from midfield.
Willian 6 – Easy on the eye when in possession, as always, but there was little end product from the Chelsea man.
Gabriel Jesus 5 – An ineffectual display from the striker, as he didn’t really get in the game. Went down far too easily when given a presentable chance in the second half.
Neymar 6 – Came close to grabbing a late winner, and then nearly set one up. Overall, though, his impact was less than usual although in fairness, he was fouled almost every time he was on the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Fernandinho 5 – Slashed wildly when presented with space to shoot. Fulfilled his defensive responsibilities admirably.
Renato Augusto 6 – Brought on to provide attacking impetus in for the more defensive Casemiro, but had little impact.
Roberto Firmino 5 – Passed up a good chance after coming on, shooting when he should have shown patience and waited for the right pass to emerge.
