Fifa World Cup: Results and reaction from day eigh
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo take on Uruguay in a crucial World Cup Group H clash. Ronaldo made men’s World Cup history as he became the first player to score in five different tournaments with the opening goal of his country’s 3-2 win over Ghana, and Portugal can qualify for the last 16 with another victory this evening.
Despite Ronaldo’s moment of history, it was Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao who starred in Portugal’s opening win - while there was a let off at the end as Inaki Williams slipped after rounding the fortunate goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Uruguay, meanwhile, are on the back foot following their 0-0 stalemate with South Korea. Uruguay hit the post twice and will hope their star-studded frontline of Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani can make more of an impact here. Follow all the action with our live blog below, following the conclusion of Brazil’s match with Switzerland in Group G.
FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
How are we feeling about Brazil, then? They are favourites, but have they looked it on the evidence of their opening two wins?
Gary Neville thinks they can reach the final. “They can. I though Spain vs Germany was the best game so far but Brazil are not playing that company yet. I expect them to rise to the occasion [when they do]. They are defending well and have showed they can change games from the bench. I think they are in a good place.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
What happens when a superstar forward, with the weight of a nation on his shoulders for the third World Cup running, sustains an injury in match No 1? After the period of mourning, there is discussion. 40 minutes of it.
Brazil’s pre-match press conference on Sunday – involving manager Tite, defender Marquinhos and Tite’s assistant Cesar Sampaio – was mostly devoted to the world’s most expensive player and the effect of his absence for the rest of the group-phase. “Football’s about context and sometimes we have to be strategic,” said Tite. “We have to think outside the box but we’re very confident we have the right replacement.”
So, who would it be? An abundance of terrific depth in attack, deeper than any other team in the tournament, should cover for the loss of the prodigal son. So, would it be one of Arsenal’s dynamic duo: Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli? Maybe Manchester United’s £85m signing Antony? Or Real Madrid young gun Rodrygo? Or how about… Fred?
On this evidence, maybe not, as Kieran Jackson writes.
The Man Utd midfielder deputised for Brazil’s star player against Switzerland despite an array of attacking options in the squad
FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Player ratings, by Alex Pattle
Was central as ever to Brazil’s possession and momentum. Supplied Vinicius Jr with a perfectly-weighted pass that would have gone down as an assist, had Richarlison not been offside in the build-up. Broke the deadlock on 82 minutes with a great, slashing finish.
Marked Brazil’s only change, coming in for the injured Neymar, and was never going to do the same job as his nation’s talisman. Booked in the second half, before being taken off.
Touch wasn’t as sharp as it was against Serbia. It felt as if the ball wasn’t quite falling for the forward, but that was down to him most of the time. Cost Brazil a goal by straying offside in the lead-up to Vini Jr’s tidy finish. Made way for Gabriel Jesus.
FULL TIME! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Brazil have found a way! They are through to the knockout stages, and become just the second team along with France to win both of their opening games.
Casemiro was the unlikely hero in Neymar’s absence, but what a strike it was. It earns Brazil their best start to a World Cup since 2002.
What happened then? Well, they only went and won it.
Casemiro slashes a half-volley home to break the deadlock
(EPA)
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
90+4 mins: Another late Brazil chance! Antony slips in Rodrygo but Akanji makes a big block.
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
90+3 mins: Late chance for Brazil on the break! Vinicius leads the two-on-one but goes himself when Antony was free! Switzerland clear.
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
90+2 mins: What have you got, Switzerland? Rodriguez hangs a ball into the box but Thiago Silva heads away.
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
90 mins: There’s noise around Stadium 974 now as the Brazil fans celebrate. They have the ball in the corner but there will be six minutes of added time to play.
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
87 mins: All of a sudden, Brazil are heading into the last 16. Switzerland had all 11 men behind the ball and a point would have been huge for them.
There’s still time, though. That said, Switzerland have yet to have a shot on target.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Switzerland (CASEMIRO 83’)
This one counts! Brazil find the breakthrough and it comes from an unlikely source! Cometh the hour, cometh the Casemiro.
The midfielder finds himself in the box after making a late run and slices a shot across goal. It takes a slight deflection, which sees the ball drift away from Sommer, and tucks into the far corner!