Switzerland dished out a fighting performance to hold favourites Brazil 1-1 in a Group E match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The draw has helped Serbia further cement their place on top of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E points table. Serbia in the opening match of Group E had defeated Costa Rica to open their winning account. Philippe Coutinho handed Brazil the lead with an in-swinging, dipping free-kick in the 20th minute and the former champions went into the half-time with a 1-0 lead. Thanks to Steven Zuber, Switzerland made a strong comeback as he netted an equaliser in the 50th minute. Croatia vs Nigeria Match Result and Highlights: Luka Modric Leads by Example as Captain Seals Win by 2-0 in 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Brazil is a country synonymous with World Cup having won the competition five times, and they are the strongest team in Group E of 2018 FIFA World Cup. Their opposition in Serbia, Switzerland and Costa Rica will do well if they are able to play at half the level at which Brazil has played football in the past two years. Their clashes in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup among themselves will be crucial as it would determine who qualifies along with Brazil in the points table. You can find the updated points table and team standings of 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E here at Latestly.

The Samba Boys under manager Tite have gone from strength to strength as was evident in the warm-up games prior to the World Cup. Their opponents buckled under the Brazilian attack, and it was more of a case them surrendering to Brazil’s fury of attack. The trio of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho are considered to be the best in their business when it comes to scoring goals and creating chances. The comeback of Neymar has dramatically boosted Brazil, and they know they can become champions if they continue to perform the way they have did in the last two years.

Serbia will know they realistically need to target Switzerland and try and get points off the World’s sixth rank side if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive. Two important players that can help them achieve this daunting task are Nemanja Matic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who are both quality midfielders and regular performers for their clubs Manchester United and Lazio respectively. They did not hit the peak form in the friendlies which is c cause of concern for Serbia.

2018 FIFA World Cup Group E Points Table

Points Table Updated Till Today's Match.

Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup four years ago in Brazil when no one gave them a chance. Their situation is quite similar again in Russia and probably has the weakest squad of all the four in Group E. Bryan Ruiz, and co know they have a real struggle up ahead and need to build momentum quickly to survive the dogfight. They often tend to eclipse their shortages in quality with team spirit and dodginess that has borne them fruit in the past.

Switzerland as a football team is more known to the world in comparison to their individual players, and they are the prime examples of how cohesiveness and team spirit can do wonders. They are very well capable of defeating Costa Rica and Serbia and can also challenge Brazil on their day. Expect the likes of Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri to fire their team past the group stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 17, 2018 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).