Alves' own goal sees Switzerland sink Brazil

August 15, 2013 | 09:16

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In Basel, the latest stop on Brazil's so-called Global Tour ended in a 1-0 defeat to a surprisingly lively Switzerland, thanks to an own goal from defender Dani Alves.

Brazilian forward Neymar (R) challenges Switzerland's midfielder Valon Behrami during a friendly football match
at the St Jakob Stadium in Basel. (AFP/FABRICE COFFRINI)

Brazil were playing their first match since winning the Confederations Cup in June, and a tense opening half saw three players booked in the first 24 minutes, with Switzerland's Philippe Senderos and Valon Behrami and Brazil's Neymar all being shown yellow cards.

But gradually Brazil took the upper hand with the mercurial Neymar pulling the strings in midfield, and after he had pulled a slack shot wide after good work from Hulk, he provided the first clear opening in the 38th minute when his cross from the left was headed on to the top of the bar by Fred.

At the other end, the energetic Xherdan Shaqiri forced Jefferson into his first real save with a sharply-struck left-foot shot from the edge of the area, which the Brazilian 'keeper did well to parry for a corner.

But it only took three minutes into the second half for the Swiss to edge in front with the most improbable of goals.

Shaqiri fed Haris Seferovic down the right and his cross was met at the far post by Brazil full-back Alves, whose attempted headed clearance flew inside the post with Jefferson wrong-footed.

AFP

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