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The World Cup match day 2 was an exciting and thrilling one. The first match saw France defeat Australia 2-1. The second match saw a huge upset as Iceland drew 1-1 against Argentina. Lionel Messi attempted 11 shots and none of them resulted in a goal, he also missed out on a penalty. Denmark defeated Peru 1-0 in the third match. Croatia defeated Nigeria 2-0
LIVE | Brazil vs Switzerland
The third and final match of the 3rd match day will see Brazil and Switzerland lock horns. Brazil will start the match as favorites. In fact, they are the strongest contenders for this year's World Cup. Switzerland will have to do something extraordinary to prevent the Brazilian strikers from scoring. Here's a look at the 5 players who could play a decisive role in this Group E clash.
#5 Phillipe Couthino
The Barcelona star can play the role of an attacking midfielder or a winger. He has scored 10 times in 36 appearances for Brazil. He scored 4 goals in the qualification campaign to go with 2 assists. He is an excellent playmaker and has the ability to strike the ball well from a distance. He is naturally right footed but can play with both the feet.
He has tremendous dribbling ability and is very quick on his feet. His passing ability and creative play could hamper Switzerland's chances of a victory. He may or may not score a goal but his assists and dribbling abilities could result in goals for his teammates.
#4 Ricardo Rodriguez
The left back has been with the Swiss team since 2011 and has received 53 caps, he has scored 5 goals. He has been in good form as he scored against Spain and Japan in Switzerland's recent friendlies. Although a left back, he has been deployed at the centre-back as well. He is very good when it comes to attack as well.
He has a strong heading ability and can deliver excellent crosses. He is very good at taking penalties and at dead ball situations. He has exceptional pace and stamina which could be crucial against the Brazilian attack. Switzerland will rely on him to score goals and to stop the menacing Brazilian strikers.
#3 Gabriel Jesus
The Manchester City forward has been sensational for both his club and country, Brazil. He has played 17 matches for his country and scored 10 times, including 7 at the qualifiers. He also got 4 assists, which shows how valuable he is for Brazil. He was their highest scorer at the World Cup qualifiers. He can play in several attacking positions, centre-forward, winger and attacking mid are a few of those several positions.
He is known for his pace, dribbling, creative play, and exquisite finishing. He along with Neymar, Couthino and Firmino will be deadly for all the oppositions. Gabriel's finishing and dribbling skills could see him score some goals which can result in a defeat for the Swiss. He is also a strong contender for the Best Young Player Award.
#2 Xherdan Shaqiri
The winger is possibly the biggest threat that Switzerland possess for their opposition. He has been a key part of their plans ever since, he made his international debut. He has played 70 matches and scored 20 times. The Fifa website describes him as "unpredictable on the ball, adept with both feet, clinical in front of the goal and possessing excellent vision". He is often referred to as the Alpine Messi.
If he can play his natural game, he will be a potent threat for an aging Brazil defense. He might not necessarily be the one to score but his crosses and assists could turn out to be lethal for Brazil. He has a good record at the World Cups having scored 3 in 5 matches.
#1 Neymar
If there is one player who can decide the outcome of this match all by himself, it has to the Neymar. He is one of the best players in the world at the moment and can instill fear into any opposition. He has already played 85 matches for his country and found the back of the net 55 times. He has scored 2 goals in the 2 friendlies that he has played after returning from the foot injury. He had a sensational Qualifying campaign as he scored 6 times and had 8 assists.
There aren't enough superlatives to describe Neymar. Due to his energetic pace and playmaking skills, he can either score a goal himself or create chances for others. He is perfect at almost everything, right from accurate passing to taking exceptional free kicks and penalties. He can destroy Switzerland's chances all by himself courtesy his playmaking skills or his finishing abilities.
