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I had no reason to play for a penalty – Jesus

Brazil star Gabriel Jesus says he had no reason to play for a foul after having a penalty shout turned down against Switzerland in their opening World Cup encounter.

READ: Coutinho stunner in vain as Brazil are held by Switzerland

Jesus went down in the area under a challenge from Manuel Akanji in the second half of the 1-1 World Cup draw on Sunday.

However, no whistle was forthcoming as Brazil – one of the World Cup favourites – were held to a draw in Group E.

WATCH: Coutinho stunner not enough to beat Switzerland

Jesus, who had turned in the area before contact from Akanji, felt a spot-kick should have been awarded.

‘I protected, I turned, the ball was clean in front of the goal,’ he said.

‘There was no reason for me to play. I received the contact. If he interpreted that it wasn’t a penalty, life is like that. As well as interpreting that the Switzerland goal [by Steven Zuber] wasn’t a foul.

ALSO READ: Brazil the latest favourites to stumble, but Tite and Neymar won’t panic

‘It’s not up to us players.’

Philippe Coutinho had fired Brazil into a 20th-minute lead, but Zuber scored in the second half, despite the 26-year-old appearing to push Miranda prior to heading the ball home.

Brazil face Costa Rica in their second match of the tournament on Friday.

ALSO READ: ‘Aching’ Neymar urges referees to intervene

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