Brazil v Switzerland - Brazil held to 1-1 draw by Switzerland in Group E Opener-2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Match 9
The five-time champions, so often lauded for their flair, failed to sparkle after Philippe Coutinho's superbly curled opener on 20 minutes.
Tite's side - with Gabriel Jesus and Willian alongside Neymar in a front three - could offer only fleeting moments of fluid play and Steven Zuber's header from a corner earned the Swiss a deserved point.
Brazil may point to a push by Zuber to free him from his marker but the fact Coutinho's strike remained their only effort on target until 77 minutes points to their struggles in the final third.
The draw brings to an end Brazil's run of nine wins in opening World Cup fixtures, and both sides now trail Group E leaders Serbia, who beat Costa Rica earlier on Sunday.
Switzerland's haul of nine wins from 10 matches in qualifying and victory over Northern Ireland in the play-offs points to a well-drilled and highly capable side.
They paid close attention to Neymar and fouled him 10 times in all, the highest figure for a single player at a World Cup since 1998.
Former West Ham midfielder Behrami lasted 70 minutes and repeatedly broke up play, while 22-year-old defender Manuel Akanji won possession nine times and saw more of the ball than anyone on his side, impressing in just his eighth international.
This was a Swiss performance expertly mapped out but it was always going to be key to take the chances that came their way.
Zuber, making just his 14th appearance, delivered on that front, powering home from four yards after fending off the attentions of his marker. The ease with which he found the net perhaps raises questions about Brazilian defensive frailty going forward.
But Switzerland, and manager Vladimir Petkovic in particular, will care little.
Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri carried enough threat to pose problems for others in the tournament, and while this was a display more intent on thwarting Brazil rather than pushing forward, they will be thrilled to have a point on the board going into Friday's game with Serbia.
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