FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil Richarlison Scored Both Goals in a 2-0 Win Over Serbia

FIFA World Cup 2022 Brazil vs Serbia: At the Lusail Stadium, Richarlison led Brazil to a 2-0 victory over Serbia as the tournament favourites kicked off their FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Brazil vs Serbia Group G match Summary

The 25-year-old striker scored the Selecao’s first goal just after the hour mark of the Group G match on Thursday night, and he quickly followed it up with an incredible second in the 73rd minute.

The latter goal, which effectively put an end to any hopes of a comeback, was scored by the Tottenham Hotspur forward, who converted a cross from winger Vinicius Jr. by popping the ball up over his head before leaping up in the air to volley home a stunning bicycle kick.

The goal sent the tens of thousands of Brazilian fans packed inside the 89,000-capacity arena into raptures.

As Brazil’s players zipped the ball around and staged frequent raids on their opponents’ box, underscoring their credentials as the most dangerous side in the competition, Serbia, who had offered resolute resistance for the first two-thirds of the game, was left to chase shadows in the final throws.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, has been concerned about his health, but coach Dragan Stojkovic chose to start him.

However, unlike Brazil’s front line, who posed a danger from every angle, the Fulham striker was left alone up front with little support.

Neymar limps off

From the outset, Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Richarlison were the four attackers on Tite’s attack-focused Brazilian team. Lucas Paqueta, an attacking midfielder, partnered with Casemiro, the lone defensive midfielder.

However, Serbia prevented the men in yellow from generating many meaningful chances since they had numerous players back. Although he attempted, Neymar had trouble finding space in front. He, Vinicius Jr., and Raphinha all missed early opportunities.

Before Richarlison’s first goal, Brazil’s greatest opportunity came in the 60th minute when Alex Sandro’s low, long effort struck the post. Neymar had his greatest chances in the previous ten minutes with a free kick and a shot from close to the penalty spot.

The 30-year-old, who helped the Selecao win the 2013 Confederations Cup and its first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, has arrived at his third FIFA World Cup as Brazil’s major attraction.

But he has yet to capture a major championship with the national team, and his absence from this year’s tournament in the 80th minute after an ankle injury raised questions about his ability to compete.

Neymar has previously had issues with his right foot, and when Brazil finished the game, he remained on the sideline with his face covered while receiving treatment.

Following Switzerland in the second position following the European team’s triumph against Cameroon earlier on Thursday is their victory, which places them at the top of Group G.

The South American powerhouses will meet Switzerland on Monday in their next matchup as they aim for a sixth FIFA World Cup victory. On the same day, Serbia plays Cameroon.

Watch Highlights | Brazil vs Serbia | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

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