Mueez Ajao
– Richarlison scored a pair of goals — including a stunning second — as Brazil made good on the hype with a 2-0 win over Serbia to start their World Cup campaign in Qatar on Thursday.
– Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic denied Brazil’s potent strike force on several occasions in a goalless first half that saw Brazil have the majority of possession.
– Brazil were close to taking the lead in the 27th minute when Thiago Silva slid a low pass into the box, but Milinkovic-Savic did well to clear the ball and he also saved a low shot from winger Raphinha.
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– Tite’s side came out full throttle after the break and Serbia were lucky not to go behind when Milinkovic-Savic made another incredible save on Raphinha and Alex Sandro’s thunderous strike from distance hit the post.
– Richarlison finally scored Brazil’s deserved first just past the hour mark with their 15th shot of the match, pouncing on a loose ball in front of goal after Milinkovic-Savic saved from Vinicius Junior’s close-range effort.
– The Tottenham striker then doubled his tally with an outrageous finish, when his attempt to settle a Vinicius cross into the area popped in the air, Richarlison pivoted to his left and smashed a side sideways volley past Milinkovic-Savic to put Brazil up 2-0.
Richarlison! What have you done?! 🤯#FIFAWorldCup | @richarlison97 pic.twitter.com/kCKFdlINXq
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
– Richarlison has now scored nine goals for Brazil this year.
– The win is partly overshadowed by a potential injury to Neymar, who was fouled repeatedly throughout the game and was pictured in tears on the Brazil bench after being substituted in the 80th minute.
– There was no way back for Serbia as Brazil, who finish the day atop Group H on goal difference over Switzerland, saw out the result to put the stamp on their credentials as World Cup favourites coming into the tournament.
FIM DE JOGO!!!
Com duas bicadas do @richarlison97, a Seleção Brasileira venceu a Sérvia por 2 a 0. 🐦🐦
Vamos, Brasil!!!! 🇧🇷💛 pic.twitter.com/Dao23C5nih
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) November 24, 2022
🇧🇷 A Richarlison brace sees Brazil pick up three points against Serbia@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022
