Brazil in an unusual situation after a draw to open World Cup

The last time it didn’t win its first game in a World Cup, Pele had just retired from soccer. The “Selecao” had won every one of its opening matches since 1978, a year after “The King’s” farewell.  Brazil drew Sweden 1-1 back then, the same score of its match against Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday, when all the hype surrounding Neymar and his teammates turned into disappointment and concern.

The result that ended Brazil’s nine-match winning streak in openers left the national team two points behind group leader Serbia, which defeated Costa Rica 1-0 earlier Sunday. One of the main title favorites, Brazil suddenly sees itself having to come from behind to keep alive its hopes of winning the team’s first world title since 2002. But although the result felt like a loss, there was no reason to panic just yet, as Brazil remains heavily favored to advance. Switzerland, No. 6 in the world, was considered Brazil’s toughest opponent in Group E.

Another consolation was the fact that in 2010, Spain lost its opener against Switzerland but went on to win the title anyway. Also, Argentina and Germany also failed win in their openers in Russia, while Spain and Portugal drew when they played each other in their initial match. “Nobody can win or lose the World Cup in the first match,” Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus said. “We have two decisive matches ahead of us. Of course we didn’t want to draw, but we also didn’t lose. We are more alive than ever.”

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