Brazil is the most successful country in the history of the FIFA World Cup with five titles, and according to bookmakers, Selecao is the biggest favorite to beat the 2018 World Cup in Russia with odds at +400, so you don’t want to miss their opening game against Switzerland in Group E set on Sunday, June 17th, 2018, at Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don. Brazil is a strong favorite to open the tournament with three points, but on the other side of the field will be a tough Switzerland team, so this clash should bring plenty of action.
Brazil vs. Switzerland
3-Way: 1: Brazil -280; X: +375 Draw; 2: Switzerland +800 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Brazil +120; Switzerland -135
Total +2.5: Over -105; Under -118
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +125/-175
BRAZIL
Four years ago, plenty expected Brazil to win the World Cup Trophy on a home soil, but Selecao was humiliated in the Semi-Finals by Germany 7-1 which was undoubtedly one of the most painful moments in Brazil’s history. This year, they are coming to Russia as strongest favorites to win the title due to a sheer quality in the squad, as Selecao topped CONMEBOL qualifying group with an excellent 12-5-1 record and a 41:11 goal difference, ten points ahead of the closest rival Uruguay. Likewise, Brazil is undefeated in ten consecutive games overall, beating Germany 1-0 among the others in a recent friendly match.
The manager Tite made the compact unity who knows how to defend, while with all talent in the frontline, Brazil doesn’t have issues to find the net even against world-class teams. The skillful forward Neymar is currently one of the best players in the world, and he will be the main threat to any opponent at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, while strikers Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino should complete Brazil’s offense. The playmaker Philippe Coutinho will orchestrate his teammates from midfield, but Coutinho is also a pretty dangerous goal scorer. The experienced defender Thiago Silva will hold the things at the back, while the anchor-man Casemiro should provide protection from rivals’ counter-attacks.
SWITZERLAND
The Nati was brilliant in the qualifiers, but one loss in the ultimate round against Portugal on the road pushed them into playoffs where Switzerland overcame Northern Ireland 1-0 on aggregate to reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. That 2-0 defeat against Portugal was the only one in Switzerland’s previous 16 games along with 13 victories and two stalemates, including a 1-1 draw with mighty Spain a few days ago, so the Nati is coming to Russia with high hopes. The bookies set the odds on Switzerland to qualify for the second round at +100, as it seems like Nati has all required skills to finish in the top two in Group E.
Switzerland is a well-organized team with a strong defensive work, playing in a rigid 4-5-1 formation with a couple of defensive-minded midfielders, so they are often a tricky rival as even the strongest teams mostly struggle to find the net against the Nati. Although full-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez are the strongest part of Swiss’ defensive line, remarkable teamwork makes them so tough opponent to beat. At the front, Xherdan Shaqiri will lead the play, as he’s arguably the most gifted player in this Switzerland team. The striker Haris Seferovic should provide goals, as inefficiency is certainly the biggest problem in Nati’s side, so a talented forward Breel Embolo could be a potential surprise.
Brazil vs. Switzerland – Match and Odds Breakdown
Brazil was showing some exceptional form in the last couple of months, winning all their three friendly matches without conceding a single goal, so Selecao is a clear favorite to win three points at the start of the 2018 World Cup. Nevertheless, the opening game is often a difficult one regardless who’s on the other side of the pitch, and Brazil could have some problems with Switzerland’s sturdy defense. Selecao has great players at the offensive line, and they should score a couple of goals here, but beating the lines at 2.5 goals could be an inconvenient job.
Switzerland will certainly park the bus and wait for some opportunities to endanger Brazil’s keeper through counter-attacks, while set pieces situations also could be Nati’s chance to score a goal. On the other side, Brazil will be satisfied even with a 1-0 win, so they could easily take a patient approach to ensure their net while keeping the ball on their feet due to a technical dominance over Swiss. Through a ball possession, Brazil will try to create scoring chances, and with Neymar in the starting lineup, I believe they will grab a victory here.
Hereof, betting on the spread should get greater wages, but the bettors can check over all latest lines and markets on BetDSI Sportsbook, as they will cover all World Cup matches.
The Pick: Brazil AH -1.5 (+125)
