'We Lacked Courage': Swiss Coach Yakin On WC Loss To Brazil, Says Ready For 'Decisive' Clash With Serbia

Switzerland defended resolutely against the five-time world champions before Manchester United midfielder Casemiro broke the deadlock with an 83rd-minute strike at Stadium 974 in Doha.

File Photo | Murat Yakin (R), head coach of Switzerland, reacts during the Group G match against Serbia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Dec. 2, 2022.

DOHA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Switzerland manager Murat Yakin blamed a lack of boldness and creativity for his team's 1-0 defeat to Brazil in their World Cup Group G match on Monday.

Switzerland defended resolutely against the five-time world champions before Manchester United midfielder Casemiro broke the deadlock with an 83rd-minute strike at Stadium 974 in Doha.

"The result is quite a sad outcome for us because we let it slip through our fingers. We lacked courage to a certain extent," Yakin told a post-match news conference. "We can only congratulate Brazil for the win but we know with a little more luck we could have done more."

While Brazil had five shots on target, Switzerland did not force a single save from the Selecao goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil also enjoyed a greater share of possession, had a higher percentage of completed passes and won eight corners compared to Switzerland's three.

"We were good in attempting to push forward but Brazil did defend very well," Yakin said. "We lacked a bit of creativity and probably a bit of decisiveness [to score]. But there were good signs and we can take positives into our next match."

While Brazil are now guaranteed of a place in the round of 16, Switzerland must beat Serbia on Friday to be assured of progressing beyond the group stage.

"We'll have to analyze the situation properly and thoroughly and prepare for a different game," Yakin said. "We'll have to find the right balance.

"I think that we can be the dominant team [against Serbia]. We've proven that in the past. It will be a decisive game ... and hopefully we will have all of our players available."

(Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the report by ABP Live.)