World Cup 2018, Brazil 1-1 Switzerland: Player Ratings

Switzerland

Yann Sommer - 8/10

He made one brilliant save to deny Paulinho from close range. So brilliant that everyone including the referee failed to notice it and gave a goal kick. Although he could do nothing about Coutinho's goal, he pulled off a couple more important saves in the second half to keep the score 1-1.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - 5/10

Had some trouble dealing with the attacking threat down Brazil's left and was booked for a cynical foul on Neymar. Was taken off late in the game for Michael Lang.

Fabian Schar - 7/10

He came out of his line to help his midfielders close down Neymar and Jesus when they threatened and his aerial prowess helped Switzerland deal with Brazil corners. Most importantly, he made a goalline clearance in the dying minutes of the game.

Manuel Akanji - 7/10

The young Borussia Dortmund defender showed immense composure on the ball and found his midfielders well. He defended well throughout the game although there were appeals against him for a penalty. He is one player to watch out.

Ricardo Rodriguez - 6/10

Rodriguez tried to offer a lot more attacking threat from the left wing but he found very little space with Willian tracking back to support Danilo. That being said, the Milan defender did well to deal with the Chelsea winger after Willian proved a handful in the initial exchanges.

Granit Xhaka - 6/10

Xhaka was a booking waiting to happen but surprisingly he evaded one. He played a couple of beautiful crossfield passes to bypass the Brazilian midfield and also covered his defenders well when Brazil mounted the pressure.

Valon Behrami - 8/10

What a game this man had. He tried his best to be available for a pass whenever his team was in possession and covered for his full-backs when they went up the field. He tackled well and also committed fouls smartly to break up play. His constant battles with Neymar eventually won him a yellow card and was soon taken off for Denis Zakaria.

Xherdan Shaqiri - 7/10

As expected, Shaqiri was Switzerland’s major attacking outlet. However, he also did well to help Lichtsteiner out after realizing that his captain needed more support. Switzerland's goal came from his corner.

Blerim Dzemaili - 6/10

The veteran played furthest forward among the midfielders. His attacking contribution was questionable, but he helped close down space in midfield as Brazil struggled to open play.

Steven Zuber - 7/10

In open play, Zuber’s contribution going forward was very little as much of Switzerland’s attack was down the right-hand side through Shaqiri. However, he did get the all-important equalizer in the second half with a header from a corner.

Haris Seferovic - 5/10

Seferovic struggled to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play early in the game. He even failed to control a simple pass from Shaqiri in a promising attacking area. He got better in the second half but was taken off for Breel Embolo towards the end.

Substitutes -

Denis Zakaria - 6/10

Was subbed in after Behrami picked up a yellow card. The Gladbach man did well filling in for Behrami but gave away a needless free-kick towards the end which nearly proved costly.

Breel Embolo - N/A

He had very little time to make any real impact but he had the opportunity to run at the Brazil defence in a counter-attacking situation before being dispossessed by Miranda.

Michael Lang - N/A

Came on as a like for like replacement for the Swiss captain towards the end of the game and did well against Neymar.