After the thrilling six-goal draw between Cameroon and Serbia earlier in the day, their Group G counterparts Brazil and Switzerland were always going to struggle to follow suit. To make matters worse, it turned out to be a mostly underwhelming affair, especially in the first half. In the end, the Selecao managed to break the European resistance, with Casemiro’s late winner proving just enough to secure qualification. So let’s check out the player ratings for Switzerland who succumbed to their first World Cup defeat at the hands of Brazil and will now have to ward off Serbia to remain in contention.
Switzerland (4-2-3-1)
Yann Sommer – 6
The veteran goalkeeper parried out a couple of shots early in the match, but could do little about Casemiro’s deflected strike or Vinicius’ disallowed goal.
Silvan Widmer – 6
The former Udinese fullback had his hands full of Vinicius, and one has to say that he did a decent job considering the tough task ahead of him. Naturally, he did lose his foe on some occasions, but still made a string of vital interceptions.
Manuel Akanji – 7.5
A top notch display from the Man City man who didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Although Casemiro’s shot deflected off him before hitting the net, he was an absolute beast at the back, making at least three timely interventions to deny what could have easily been additional goals for Brazil.
Nico Alvedi – 7
Similarly to his defensive partner, the centre-back was both solid and reliable. Never allowed Richarlison to have a chance at goal.
Ricardo Rodriguez – 6.5
An impressive outing from the Torino veteran who frustrated both Raphinha and Antony with his defensive prowess.
Remo Freuler – 6
The former Atalanta man was lively at first and didn’t shy away from physical duels. But it seemed that his energy levels dropped as the match progressed.
Granit Xhaka – 5.5
The Arsenal midfielder was surprisingly quiet. His contribution was limited, especially on the attacking phase.
Fabian Rieder – 5
The young winger never got his footing and added very little to the Swiss cause.
Djibril Sow – 5
The Borussia Monchengladbach star found no space at all between the lines, and was easily nullified by Casemiro.
Ruben Vargas – 5.5
Another winger who failed to inspire. Threatened with one shot after the break, but it was all she wrote.
Breel Embolo – 5.5
The Monaco striker didn’t lack the effort nor the determination, but he was left to fend for himself against the unbreakable duo of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos while receiving little to no service.
Read our Player Ratings for Brazil
Substitutes
Edmilson Fernandes – 6
The winger added a swift burst of energy after coming in, but quickly faded afterwards.
Renato Steffen – 5
His most memorable contribution is a face-off with the match official while objecting a call.
Michel Aebischer – 5
The Bologna man was hardly noticed after coming in.
Haris Seferovic – 5.5
The experienced Switzerland striker replaced Embolo but suffered from the same problem: the absolute lack of service.
Fabian Frei – N/A
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