Swiss rolled over by Kaká winner
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Article summary
Switzerland 1-2 Brazil UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Switzerland were beaten for the second match in a row despite a late fightback against Brazil.
Article body
Missed chances
Jakob Kuhn's men, who had lost to Austria in their previous outing in October, started positively and had several chances in the first 15 minutes, the best of them falling to Tranquillo Barnetta and Ludovic Magnin. They were made to pay for those misses, however, as Luisão headed in for Brazil following an Elano Blumer corner on 23 minutes.
Zuberbühler beaten
Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler had not conceded a goal since May 2006 but let in his second in 12 minutes after his clearance from a Johan Vonlanthen back-pass hit Kaká, allowing the AC Milan midfielder to double Brazil's advantage with a simple finish.
Late pressure
Stung into action, Switzerland went on the offensive in the second half and an own goal by Maicon 20 minutes from time brought them back into contention. However, despite mounting pressure on the Brazil penalty area, a Barnetta shot that whistled just wide was the closest they could come to salvaging a draw.