Brazil settles for tie to end streak of opening victories

SOCHI (AP) — This is unfamiliar territory for five-time World Cup champion Brazil.

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 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 nation two points behind group leader Serbia, which beat Costa Rica 1-0 earlier Sunday.

One of the main title favourites, 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 favoured 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 to Switzerland but went on to win the title anyway.

“Nobody can win or lose the World Cup in the first match,” said Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus. “We didn’t want to draw, but we also didn’t lose. We are more alive than ever.”