Richarlison scored a second half double to help huge favourite, Brazil to a 2-0 win over Serbia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
After a goalless first half that presented chances for the South American, it wasn’t until two minutes after the hour mark before they had the breakthrough through Tottenham Hotspur forward, Richarlison.
Neymar does well under pressure before releasing Vinicius Junior, whose shot was charged down by the Goalkeeper and falls gracefully to Richarlison, who pokes home from close range.
Brazil were 2-0 up eleven minutes later. Vinicius again with a well weighted pass into the heart of the Serbia area and Richarlison applied a bicycle kick volley to make it 2-0 to Tite’s men.
Leading the line for Brazil, Richarlison has now scored nine for the record winners of the global tournament in seven games. Further strengthening his grip on the position and the starting XI.
Brazil move top of the table, above Switzerland on goal difference. A repetition of the score line the last time Brazil faced Serbia in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup back in 2018.
Their main worry however will be Neymar, who went down in the later stages of the match with an apparent injury. Tite will hope it won’t be serious concern as the PSG forward’s available will be crucial for their chances in Qatar
Serbia now have an uphill task but not too tough but won’t be easy as they face Switzerland and Cameroon next. A good start for Brazil put them where they want to be, and that is to finish as the group winner.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
