Brazil start with a spring in their step

SWISS COACH SAYS MENTAL TOUGHNESS KEY IN OPENING CLASH AGAINST SAMBA BOYS

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Meanwhile, everything points to Thiago Silva partnering Joao Miranda in central defence, with Marquinhos likely to miss out, and Allison in goal amid rumours of a move from AS Roma to Real Madrid.

The Swiss were slightly unlucky to finish behind Portugal in their qualifying group but are currently sixth in the Fifa world rankings with coach Vladimir Petkovic forging a united squad from a group of players from a host of different ethnic backgrounds. Petkovic stressed the ■ importance of unity among his players when he said that although he hadn’t selected the most talented 23 Swiss players to go to Russia, he had chosen “the best squad”.

Their results coming into the tournament have also been good, with a 2-0 win over Japan following a battling 1-1 draw away to Spain on June 3.

The Spain match showed the Swiss can soak up a lot of pressure and keep their shape when they don’t have the ball, which will be important too today. Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji are likely to play in central defence and there is a chance Johan Djourou could also start.

Stephen Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez, who goes into the match with two goals in two games, will be the full backs with Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami in midfield, while up front Xherdan Shakiri and Breel Embolo will provide pace on the break.

Switzerland head coach Vladimir Petkovic lavished praise on Neymar — saying he was “an exceptional player” and it would be hold him back.”

“Of course, Neymar is an exceptional player. It is difficult to hold him back throughout an entire match. Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, he is one of the strongest players in the world. We have to prepare mentally to play against such strong players,” Petkovic told journalists.

He added that Switzerland aimed to not only show a “good game” but to win the match as well. “difficult to

Reuters Brazil’s Marquinhos, Neymar and Willian share a lighter moment during a training session. Neymar last week banished any doubts about the injury, which brought his campaign with PSG to a premature end, with a fine goal in a 3-0 warm-up victory against...

AP Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho (right) and Gabriel Jesus practice during a training session in Sochi.

AP Mexico’s Hectro Herrera (centre) prepares to take a shot as his teammates watch during a training session in Moscow.

AFP Switzerland’s players attend a training session at the Rostov Arena.