Preview Of The 2022 World Cup, Brazil vs Switzerland: Selecao Not Afraid Without Neymar

JAKARTA - Brazil will face Switzerland without their talisman Neymar, who missed out with an ankle injury during their 2-0 win over Serbia in their opener.

The five-time world champions will also be without full-back Danilo, who also injured his ankle against Serbia.

It was clearly a blow to the mission of winning the sixth World Cup. However, Brazil will still rely on its new talents.

Neymar was so important to Brazil in the two World Cup finals that it cost other players the spotlight.

But recently young Brazilian talent has appeared everywhere, including Vinicius Jr and Richarlison who were arguably the two best players in the convincing win over Serbia.

Coach Tite has many options for a replacement for Neymar after the player struggled to stay fit for the knockout stages after damaging the right ankle ligament that has plagued him for years.

Rodrygo will be the first option if Tite decides to use the same system as a front four along with Vinicius, Richarlison, and Raphinha.

The versatile forward, 21, played in Neymar's shoes in Brazil's three training matches in Turin before the World Cup.

Another option is to pair Fred with Casemiro to strengthen the midfield which at the same time advances Lucas Paqueta's position as a playmaker.

However, the biggest question mark is over Danilo's replacement as 39-year-old veteran defender Dani Alves is the only right-back available.

Tite may install Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao as a replacement for Danilo.

Meanwhile, Swiss coach Murat Yakin has changed the orientation of his squad which previously rested on five defenders to four defenders.

Sure happy the 1-0 win over Cameroon saw his team keep a second clean sheet in its last 10 matches.

They have only conceded once in the last six qualifiers after Euro 2020, so there is no doubt they will trouble Brazil as they did at the 2018 World Cup when they drew Brazil 1-1.

The 1-0 win over Cameroon also saw Switzerland record a fourth straight win which could worry Brazil.

Prediction of the first eleven players

Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Fred, Lucas Paqueta; Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior.

Switzerland (4-3-3): Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Djibril Sow; Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.

Important statistics for both teams

This is the third meeting between Brazil and Switzerland in the World Cup finals.

The two teams last met in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia where they drew 1-1. They also drew 2-2 in the 1950 World Cup.

In nine matches against Switzerland, Brazil recorded three wins, four draws, and two defeats.

Brazil is unbeaten during Qatar's World Cup qualifiers, has won the World Cup five times, and are favorite to win a sixth World Cup.

Switzerland qualified for the knockout stages in three of their last four World Cups in 2006, 2014, and 2018, but was eliminated at the group stage in 2010.

Brazil has played in the World Cup finals since 1930 but has not reached the final since winning the 2002 World Cup.

Switzerland is unbeaten during qualifying by topping the group which includes European champions Italy.