Half-time report: Coutinho magic puts Brazil 1-0 up

Former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho sent a curling shot in the 20th minute from outside the box to give Brazil the lead.

Philippe Countinho scored a beauty from outside the box to send Brazilian fans into raptures.

Brazil went into half-time with a 1-0 lead against Switzerland in Rostov Arena after Philippe Coutinho’s curled strike from outside the box. Brazil started the match on front foot with Willian trying to curl towards the far post in the 6th minute.

The five-time winners enjoyed lion share of the possession with Paulinho and Gabriel Jesus going close in the opening quarter hour. Brazil slowly upped the tempo and in the 20th minute, Philippe Coutinho produced a moment of magic when he picked up a loose ball just outside the box and curled a strike into the far right corner.

Switzerland, who were unable to mount any meaningful attack presented with an opportunity when Brazil goalkeeper Alissson’s hesitation to clear a ball after pressure from Seferovic. Brazil came close in the injury time when Miranda sent a powerful header off a corner, which narrowly missed the net.