World Cup: Brazil under test in campaign opener vs Switzerland

IANS  |  Rostov 

Brazil's position as favourites to win the 2018 will be under test when they kick off their campaign against here on Sunday.

He scored a quality goal with trademark stepover included, but and Coutinho also highlighted the depth of attacking talent available to Tite, whose side kicks off in on the back of the best run of results ever for the Brazilians going into a

Against Austria, used Chelsea forward to accompany Neymar, and Coutinho. will probably start again here, leaving to decide whether Fernandinho or Paulinho partners Casemiro in central midfield.

Marcelo will provide attacking flare from left back, while Dani Alves' means Danilo will be given the chance on the right. Meanwhile everything points to partnering in central defence, with Marquinhos likely to miss out, and Allison in goal amid rumours of a move from to Real Madrid.

The Swiss were slightly unlucky to finish behind in their qualifying group but are currently sixth in the world rankings with forging a united squad from a group of players from a host of different ethnic backgrounds.

Petkovic stressed the importance of unity among his players when he said that although he hadn't selected the most talented 23 Swiss players to go to Russia, he had chosen "the best squad".

Their results coming into the tournament have also been good, with a 2-0 win over following a battling 1-1 draw away to on June 3.

The match showed the Swiss can soak up a lot of pressure and keep their shape when they don't have the ball, which will be important too on Sunday.

and are likely to play in central defence and there is a chance could also start.

and Ricardo Rodriguez, who goes into the match with two goals in two games, will be the full backs with and in midfield, while up front Xherdan Shakiri and Breel Embolo will provide pace on the break.

If the Swiss can hang on until halftime they have a chance of springing a surprise, but if take an early lead it could be a matter of the Swiss hanging on to ensure their goal difference doesn't take a battering ahead of more accessible rivals such as and

--IANS

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First Published: Sat, June 16 2018. 16:42 IST