Brazil vs Switzerland Predictions

• Brazil have scored twice or more in seven of their last eight games
• Switzerland conceded three goals in meetings with Italy and France at last year’s Euros
• Richarlison has scored more goals for Brazil since September 2018 than any other player
• The Swiss have lost five of their last eight World Cup clashes with South American sides

Neymar blow for Brazil

Brazil made a near-perfect start to the 2022 World Cup, as they saw off Serbia 2-0 to win their opener. However, they have lost Neymar for the rest of the group stage, although they should expect to navigate clashes with Switzerland and Cameroon without him.

Neymark has been fouled 53 times at the World Cup since his debut in the competition in 2014. No player suffered as many fouls as his nine against Serbia, so it’s for the best that Brazil wrap him up for the next week or so as they look to win a record sixth crown.

Even without their superstar, Brazil have plenty of scoring talent and that should be evident against a Swiss side who also got off to a winning start.

Another test for Brazil

Since winning the 2002 World Cup, Brazil had fallen behind the best European sides. When they tend to come up short in this competition it’s usually against European teams, as they account for 16 of Brazil’s 18 total defeats at the World Cup.

The South American giants last put together a string of wins against European sides between 2002 and 2006, having fallen to a European side at each World Cup since Germany 16 years ago.

While that may warn you off backing the World Cup favourites, instead consider it the acid test of their trophy hopes. This Brazilian side are being hyped up because they look like contenders at long last. Starting the tournament with wins over the sides who toppled Portugal and Italy in qualifying would be a big message for Tite’s team to send out.

Richarlison to put Swiss to the sword

With Neymar out, look again to Richarlison as the main scoring threat for Brazil. The Tottenham forward has been the form man for his country of late and he boosted that with two stunning goals against the Swiss. He has scored nine goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions for Brazil. Since his debut for the national side in September 2018, he’s scored 19 times, more goals for Brazil than any other player has managed in that timeframe.

Brazil scored 40 times across 14 matches in qualifying and they’ve scored at least twice in seven of their last eight internationals. The array of midfield talent they’ve brought to Qatar should see them cover for Neymar’s absence, while this Swiss side conceded three goals to Italy and France at last year’s Euros. Back them to concede another couple in this clash.

Brazil are unbeaten in their last 16 group-stage games at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Switzerland have won just one of their eight games against South American sides at the finals, losing five times. Back Brazil for another 2-0 win on Monday.