BRAZIL’S first chance to build toward another World Cup title since the infamous 7-1 home loss to Germany in 2014 did little to suggest that the five-time champions will add a sixth crown to their record haul in Russia. The Selecao settled for a 1-1 tie against a resilient Switzerland in the tournament opener for both nations Sunday in Rostov-on-Don. Philippe Coutinho’s curling, right-footed blast off the post left keeper Yann Sommer grasping at air just 20 minutes in. But Steven Zuber pulled the Swiss level early in the second half. The result left Serbia, which beat Costa Rica in Samara earlier Sunday, all alone atop Group E. The Brazilians will face the Ticos on Friday — a match that just got a lot more important — before meeting the Serbians in their first-round finale. Where was Neymar? Brazil’s headliner recently returned from a broken foot he suffered playing for club side Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the long layoff, Neymar appeared at least somewhat close to his all-world best in his team’s two pre-tourney tune-ups, scoring in friendly wins against both Austria and Croatia. But while it wasn’t surprising to see the 26-year-old in coach Tite’s starting lineup against the Swiss, it quickly became clear that it would be a long night for Neymar, who is perhaps further away from full fitness than previously thought. It didn’t help that he was the obvious focus for Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, who made sure the most dangerous player on the field was surrounded at all times. The closest Neymar came to scoring was on a hopeful shot from outside the box in the 78th minute that Sommer easily gobbled up. The fact that it was Sommer’s first save of the night said it all — Neymar didn’t even bother to put his free kick at the death on goal, opting for a cross instead. (SD-Agencies) |