Always among the favorites at any major international tournament, Brazil opens its 2018 World Cup quest against Switzerland in Group E action in Rostov-On-Don on June 17. As talented as Brazil is, the Swiss could be a very tough Sportsbook match as some World Cup history has shown them to be a difficult side to break down.
At first glance, there isn’t a ton of betting value on the board as online shop Sportsbook has Brazil at -260 in moneyline markets with Switzerland at +850 and the draw at +370. The total is 2.5 with OVER at +105 and UNDER at -125. In spread markets, Brazil is -1.5 at +120 with the Swiss coming back at -145 as dogs.
Switzerland won its first match 2-1 vs Ecuador at World Cup 2014.
Brazil is the only South American team to win a World Cup in Europe (1958 in Sweden).
Brazil topped CONMEBOL qualification with 41 points in 18 games.
When we last saw Brazil in the World Cup (on home soil no less), they were throttled in the now-infamous 7-1 game against Germany. While that was certainly a black eye driven straight onto the face of Brazilian football, revenge will be the order of the day in Russia and the Swiss could be the first victim.
That said, the Swiss have proven to be a side very worthy of its placement at the World Cup and have scored big upsets – including a 1-0 win over eventual champion Spain in 2010 – and held eventual runner-up Argentina to a 0-0 scoreline through 90 minutes before Ángel Di Maria scored the Sportsbook at 118’ in the Round of 16 four years ago in Brazil.
While Switzerland boasts quality players like Stephan Lichtsteiner, Xherdan Shaqiri, Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka, it pales in comparison to what Brazil will bring to Russia.
Favorite Bet for Brazil vs Switzerland
This game could go one of one billion ways and it makes it a tough one to cap with confidence. Brazil could win big or the Swiss could defend with all their might and keep the scoreline low because, frankly, they are more than capable at the back. While not a ton of value on Brazil’s moneyline, there is value in spread markets but I just can’t bet that with a ton of confidence, especially with it being Brazil’s opener. I’ll take my chances with Brazil -0.5 in the first half at -105.
Brazil should be hungry to impress and not only make amends for that embarrassing 7-1 loss to Germany, but also for the Marcelo own goal that opened the scoring against Croatia at the last World Cup. The Swiss are tough and feature quality, but don’t be surprised to see Neymar, Roberto Firmino and the rest of the crew impress in the group stage.
