Brazil hopes to show the world when it faces Switzerland on Monday that it remains a strong title contender in Qatar despite the loss of two starters: star Neymar and full-back Danilo.
The ‘scratch’ of Tite has the chance to give a table blow without his main figure, injured right ankle in the victorious debut against Serbia (2-0), in a duel at the 974 stadia in Doha where he can seal his early passage to the second round. This match will go through the screen.
Neymar undergoes physiotherapy treatment to try to heal and return soon to the courts to fight for the elusive hexacampeonato in his third World Cup, after his unfortunate steps in Brazil-2014 and Russia-2018.
The Paris Saint Germain star says he is “sure” he will have minutes in the tournament again, but the reality is that Tite will have to take his place in the second Brazilian outing in Group G, which leads with three points. Switzerland has the same after defeating Cameroon (1-0).
The winner of the match will go through the round if the opponent he will face in the third duel (Cameroon, in the Brazilian case; Serbia, in the Swiss) does not triumph in the Al Janoub.
“We have quality players, but when comparing them to Neymar, it’s difficult to find one of his level,” lamented midfielder Casemiro.
Tite’s options
Although it is a significant loss, the Brazil coach has several cards to replace the 30-year-old attacker.
Due to its numerous absences due to sanction or injury, the ‘Seleção’ learned to live without its star: without him, it lifted the Copa América-2019 and did not lose in the seven games of the South American qualifier in which it was not (five wins, two draws).
In four of those matches, midfielder Lucas Paquetá took over from the crack. The West Ham midfielder (ENG) played ‘8’ against Serbia, but can move up the line and give entry to a mixed midfielder like Fred or Bruno Guimaraes.
Rodrygo, 21, has emerged as a “wild card” footballer. Among his multifunctional skills is to play as ’10’, a position he has already executed at Real Madrid.
There is also the possibility that Everton Ribeiro leads the creation to feed Richarlison, author of a double against Serbia, a more remote chance because in Flamengo he usually plays on the wings.
“Offensively we showed many possibilities and alternatives (against Serbia). The young guys came in and showed that they are very offensive and fast players,” former Brazilian midfielder Mauro Silva, the 1994 world champion in the United States, told AFP.
No fear
The spotlights illuminate the void left by ‘Ney’, but Danilo’s lack is very significant: the Juventus (ITA) full-back has been undisputed on the right wing on the way to Qatar.
The experienced Dani Alves, 39, is the natural replacement, but Tite has also tested centre-back Éder Militao, who started his career in that position.
“Militao is more defensive, Dani Alves has more quality and an exceptional foot,” said Casemiro.
Murat Yakin’s Switzerland seems indifferent to the noise around Tite’s puzzle to assemble his eleven.
“It doesn’t change too much for us. They have enough top players who can play in that position,” central defender Nico Elvedi said of Neymar’s situation.
The ‘A-Team’, with the ’10’ in the field, embittered the Brazilian premiere in Russia-2018 (1-1) and has as its main credential to have left Italy, champion of the Euro-2020, without World Cup.
The Europeans, with attacker Breel Embolo ready, will look for the carom of passing the round and break the unbeaten South Americans, who have 16 games without losing.
“We know the challenge but we are not going to hide. We know our quality and what we are capable of showing,” Elvedi added. “You can beat any team in the world.”
Time and where to watch the match Brazil vs. Switzerland, in the World Cup Qatar 2022:
Day: Monday, November 28.
Kick-off time: 10:00 a.m. (Colombian time).
Digital preview start time: 11:00 a.m. (Colombian time).
Stadium: 974.
Brazil vs Switzerland live stream, TV channel
This match will be played at Stadium 974 in Doha. Here’s how you can watch all the action in some of the major global territories.
| Date | Time | TV Channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Monday, Nov. 28 | 11:00 ET | Fox, Telemundo |
fuboTV, Fox Sports site/app, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Peacock |
| Canada | Monday, Nov. 28 | 11:00 ET | TSN, RDS (French) | TSN site/app, RDS app |
| UK | Monday, Nov. 28 | 16:00 GMT | ITV, STV | ITVX, STV Player |
| Australia | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 03:00 AEDT | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | Monday, Nov. 28 | 21:30 IST | Sports18 | Voot, JioTV |
| Hong Kong | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 00:00 HKT | Now TV (Ch. 616, 618) | Now TV |
| Malaysia | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 00:00 MYT | Astro | Astro GO |
| Singapore | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 00:00 SGT | StarHub (Ch. 251/252), Singtel TV |
Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch |
| New Zealand | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 05:00 NZDT | Sky Sport 7 beIN | Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW |
