Brazil Begin World Cup in Style Thanks to Richarlison Double
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Brazil started their 2022 World Cup campaign with a difficult looking fixture against Serbia. The Brazilians started the tournament as favourites and will remain in that position following their 2-0 victory over a stubborn Serbia outfit.
Serbia were well organised and their gameplan was not to concede a goal. This was evident from their starting XI which saw Juventus striker Dusan Vlahović start on the bench and Aleksandar Mitrović start up-front on his own.
The fact Filip Kostić was unable to take any part in the match also came as a blow to Serbia’s potential attacking threat.
Brazil stared with Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison leading the line and he was supported by the attacking trio of Neymar, Raphinha, and Vinícius Júnior. The experienced Thiago Silva joined Marquinhos in central defence for the Brazilians.
Brazil dominated throughout the game but Serbia were proving tough to break down in the first half. Goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić came to Serbia’s rescue on a few occasions and Raphinha should have done better as he had a free strike at goal but hit the ball tamely into the arms of the keeper.
Brazil failed to make the breakthrough in the first half but they remained patient and continued to probe. There was no panic from the Brazilian players and they took that attitude into to the second half.
Brazil found a way through the Serbian defence in the 62nd minute. Vinícius Júnior shot at goal and Milinković-Savić could only parry the ball out in the direction of Richarlison.
The Spurs striker turned the ball home from close range and that goal justified his inclusion in the starting XI.
However, better was to come for Brazil and Richarlison, who scored a stunning second goal 11 minutes later. Vinícius Júnior played the ball into the penalty area with the outside of his foot and the first touch of Richarlison sent the ball up into the air before he produced a stunning acrobatic right-foot strike into the corner.
It was a fantastic goal and arguably the best goal of the 2022 World Cup to date.
Serbia offered little in the way of a threat going forward and Brazil struck the woodwork on two occasions, with Alex Sandro and Casemiro hitting the post and crossbar, respectively. The only downside for Brazil was the injury to Neymar, who may require a scan on an ankle problem.
Serbia came for a draw and the plan failed. They still have a chance of qualifying but will need to create more chances. A look at the statistics show how much Brazil dominated the game.
The Brazilians had 22 shots, 8 of which were on target while Serbia had 5 shots and failed to work Alisson in the Brazilian goal.
Brazil move on to play Switzerland next wanting more of the same as Serbia play Cameroon, knowing they must create more chances if they are to have any chance of winning the match.
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