Brazil's Richarlison celebrates scoring their second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match against Serbia at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar, on November 24, 2022. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
A second-half brace from Richarlison ensured record five-time champions Brazil cruised to a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their opening FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match. Serbia failed to register a shot on target as star striker Alexander Mitrovic cut a frustrated figure before he was substituted.
The victory came at a great cost for Brazil as superstar Neymar was substituted later in the game for what the team confirmed to be an injury to his right ankle. The team doctor told reporters after the match that Neymar’s injury was due to direct trauma after a collision with a Serbian player.
“We have started with the treatment, but we need to wait for the next 24 to 48 hours to know more. Tomorrow we will have a new assessment, and we have not scheduled any scans.
“Danilo also had a sprain on the left ankle, but he has already shown signs of improvement,” the team doctor added.
The South Americans dominated the match but met a determined Serbian defence. However, with the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Richarlison, Brazil’s immense option of talent put their quality on display as they embark on winning a trophy they last lifted 20 years ago.
Brazil struggled to get in the game in the opening minutes despite seeing much of the ball but showed flashes of their attacking flair as Vinicius dazzled the Serbian defence before forcing a corner. Neymar almost caught the Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic napping from the corner kick; however, he recovered just in time to parry out.
Casemiro tested the Milinkovic-Savic from long range, but he was able to gather at the second attempt. Veteran defender Thiago Silva sent Vinicius through, but Milinkovic-Savic was quick out of his line to snuff out the danger.
Brazil again almost carved open the Serbs as Lucas Paqueta, and Raphinha exchanged passes, but the latter’s cross was easily dealt with by the busy goalkeeper.
Paqueta and Raphina combined again, but the Barcelona man’s tame effort was easy work for Milinkovic-Savic again as both teams headed into the dressing room even.
Brazil began the second half like they ended the first on the front foot, but Raphinha wasted a good chance just after the restart, with Milinkovic-Savic called upon again to make a good stop.
The Serbian defence held firm as Brazil bombarded with a quick flurry of chances, with Alex Sandro’s long-range shot in the 58th minute bouncing off the post beating Milinkovic-Savic, who was at full stretch.
However, the South Americans, who coach Tite had said are used to pressure, soon found the net just past the hour mark thanks to a poacher’s goal by Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison. The forward was alert to sweep home a rebound after Milinkovic-Savic had pushed Vinicius’ curler into his path, sending the Brazilian fans into a frenzy.
Serbia coach Dragan Stojković soon responded by bringing on Dusan Vlahovic with 25 minutes to go, but the Juventus man also failed to provide any spark as they extended their run of never winning a World Cup match after conceding first extended to six.
Richarlison sealed the win 10 minutes later, producing a moment of magic. Vinicius proving a menace down the flanks found Richarlison, who took one touch to set himself up before sending a spectacular reverse volley past Milinkovic-Savic.
“I think we were equal in the first 45 minutes, but in the second half, we were physically exhausted, and they took advantage of it because they have excellent players, and they punished us for it,” Stojković said after the match.
“The ambience was fantastic; even the Serbian supporters gave us enough support. In the second half, we gave Brazil too much space. To lose against Brazil is no shame, and they were deserved winners. My team was completely physically down, and I don’t know why and I would like to know that.”
Brazil had other chances, but Casemiro’s curler cannoned off the crossbar while Milinkovic-Savic kept the scores at a respectable 2-0 with an array of impressive saves from substitutes Fred and Rodrygo Goes.
Brazil will next play Switzerland, who pipped Cameroon by a lone goal earlier on Monday, while Serbia will slog it out with the Africans.
