Brazil held by Switzerland in World Cup opener

Jun 18, 2018 04:24 am

WORLD CUP: GROUP E
BRAZIL	SWITZERLAND
1	1
(Philippe Coutinho 20)	(Steven Zuber 50)

A second-half header from Steven Zuber cancelled out a sensational early goal from Philippe Coutinho as Switzerland and Brazil drew 1-1 in a tight Group E World Cup opener on Monday morning (June 18, Singapore time).

With 20 minutes gone, Coutinho gathered a clearance 25 metres from goal and curled a marvellous shot into the far corner off the post to give the five-time world champions the lead.

However, Switzerland, who had looked toothless throughout the first half, got back on level terms five minutes into the second period when Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick.

Coutinho had Brazil’s best chance after the break but shot wide.

The result means that Serbia lead Group E after beating Costa Rica 1-0 earlier in the day. – REUTERS