Brazil got their FIFA World Cup campaign launched with a 2-0 win over Serbia in Lusail on Day 5. Tite's men left it until the second half, but saw off a spirited Serbian effort with two Richarlison goals after the hour mark.
The first might have been scrappy, but the second was exquisite as the Tottenham Hotspur man notched two goals for the Selecao. Vinicius Junior was involved in both with a spilled shot for the first and a sumptuous assist for the second which was executed in acrobatic style.
Dragan Stojkovic's men had held firm for the first hour until Richarlison gave Brazil lift-off and the second needed just 11 minutes to arrive behind it. The South Americans hit top spot in Group G with Switzerland also picking up maximum points in their opener against Cameroon.
The only concern was Neymar going off seemingly hurt late on which could be troublesome moving forward for Tite and his men. Overall, though, a satisfying start for the favorites.
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Some takeaways from Lusail.
Tite was vindicated for keeping faith in the Spurs man as he showed his opportunist side with the first goal and sublime technique for the second. It took time to arrive, but the glut of goals was welcome for the Selecao who had struggled for clear chances up until then. Alex Sandro had perhaps the best effort when he hit the post moments before Richarlison's opener.
The Eagles kept things tight and did not give Brazil too many chance until Richarlison showed his predatory instincts. If Stojkovic's men can keep things that tight against the likes of Switzerland and Cameroon, then they could yet squeeze through in second from this group.
It was a frustrating evening for the PSG who ended up being susbstituted and looked hurt. Tite will sweat his fitness, so hopefully it is nothing serious. However, Neymar was not as effective as the likes of Vinicius Junior and Richarlison in front of goal and he will know that he needs to assert his influence more. Rodrygo looking good once he was on also shows that that attack could deal with any potential Neymar absence right now.
Serbia pushed forward and had a few half chances which did not amount to much against Brazil. In another game against another side, it could have been different and that should encourage this side to keep going up against Switzerland and Cameroon. They must not neglect their defensive effort, though, which held up for just over an hour here.
An opening win for the Selecao! Richarlison's double gives Tite and ideal start and the Brazilians immediate hit top spot in Group G. Danger averted after 60 minutes without a goal. Next up are Switzerland.
He seems to be injured and has made his way off the pitch to be replaced by Antony for the final 10 minutes.
Stunning from Richarlison. Superb acrobatic finish from Vincius' assist to double the Brazilian lead! No way that Vanja Milinkovic Savic is getting to that. Early goal of the tournament contender!
There it is! Richarlison with the opener for Brazil. The Tottenham Hotspur man the right place at the right time to tuck home after Vanja Milinkovic Savic spilled it when saving from Vinicius Junior. A mixture of relief and jubilation for the Brazilians in Lusail. Still 30 minutes to go, though.
The Brazilian hits the woodwork and that is the closest we have come so far. Vanja Milinkovic Savic was beaten all ends up, but was saved by his post. Would have been a stunner, but we are still level and without a goal... Or are we?
A couple of looks for Brazil, but nothing too close. Neymar hit the wall from a free kick and hit the side netting when the ball fell to him from a corner. However, no clear-cut openings for either side and we are now going on an hour without a goal here. Who can find the inspiration?
No goals so far and this one is yet to truly get going. The Brazilians have had a few looks, but nothing wild. Serbia have been fairly tight at the back, but Vinicius did get in just before the break. The first 15-20 minutes of the second half should give us an idea of who might be able to break the deadlock. Do not rule a shock just yet, though.
Now past the 30-minute mark and still no breakthrough for Brazil. The Serbs are now starting to bring the ball forward in search of openings of their own. Should this one be goalless at the break, the opening 15 minutes of the second half will be critical for both sides' chances of victory. Tite's men have looked the more capable of scoring, but this tournament has shown the difference so far between creating chances and actually taking them. Vinicius fluffed the Brazilians' best opening so far just minutes before half time.
No breakthrough just yet, but a superb pass from Casemiro threatened to put Brazil in for the opening goal. The definition of defense-splitting. Neymar is dropping deep and looking to get involved so far -- expect the PSG man to figure at some point as the Selecao chase that goal to give them lift-off in Qatar.
Kick-off in Lusail and a shame to see empty seats as the first ball was kicked, but it has been a regular trend in Qatar -- despite reports of above capacity attendances...
Superstar Paris Saint-Germain teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have both scored already for France and Argentina respectively while Cristiano Ronaldo has also tallied for Portugal. Will Neymar add his name to that list, or do even better? No player has more than two goals yet with Olivier Giroud, Bukayo Saka, Ferran Torres, Enner Valencia, and Mehdi Taremi all netting opening round braces.
So much quality on both sides and that extends beyond the starting XIs. Rodrygo, Bruno Guimaraes, and Antony are just some of the names to keep an eye on off the Brazilian bench. As for Serbia, Vlahovic, Filip Kostic, and Luka Jovic are some of the instantly recognizable names that Piksi could call upon mid-game.
After a fairly slow start with Switzerland beating Cameroon by a single goal in Group G and Uruguay drawing 0-0 with South Korea, Portugal vs. Ghana exploded into life with a 3-2 win for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates taking top spot in Group H in dramatic fashion. Much is expected of Brazil, but Serbia definitely have the quality to create and take chances against the South Americans.
Strong first XI from Tite with plenty of creativity in the ranks with Neymar, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Paqueta all in from the off. Expect solidity at the back with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos reunited from their PSG days together.
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva (c), Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison.
Big call from Dragan Stojkovic to go for Aleksandar Mitrovic over Dusan Vlahovic while the Milenkovic-Savic brothers start and skipper Dusan Tadic is trusted to shake off his disappointing Ajax form with the national team.
Serbia: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Gudelj, Lukic, Mladenovic; Tadic (c); Mitrovic.
