Richarlison scored twice as Brazil began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Serbia at the Lusail Stadium to move top of Group G but ankle injury to star player Neymar risks overshadowing the victory with MRI scan scheduled.
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| Image: Richarlison celebrates after scoring his second goal against Serbia |
Richarlison's second-half goals earned World Cup favourites Brazil a deserved 2-0 win over Serbia in their Group G opener in Lusail.
The European side stifled the No 1-ranked team for over an hour but the Tottenham forward's close-range finish after Vinicius Junior's shot was pushed into his path by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic finally brought Brazil their hard-fought lead.
Richarlison then lit up the Lusail Stadium in Qatar with a stunning strike on the turn that arrowed beyond the Serbia goalkeeper to double the advantage. His brilliant performance more than justified his selection as Brazil's striker ahead of Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus.
Raphinha had earlier wasted chances to make the breakthrough either side of half-time, shooting tamely on both occasions, while Alex Sandro's swerving effort from distance struck the foot of the post as Tite's side pushed to break down a resolute Serbia team.
Brazil were defensively strong as they extended their unbeaten run in World Cup openers to 20 games. Although there will be bigger tests as the five-time champions seek to end their 20-year wait to win this tournament, this turned out to be a commanding start.
Opta stats
Brazil are unbeaten in their opening game in each of the last 20 editions of the World Cup, winning 17 and drawing three.
Brazil's Neymar was fouled nine times in this match, at least four more fouls won than any other player at the 2022 World Cup so far.
Serbia are one of four sides not to have had a shot on target at the 2022 World Cup so far.
Richarlison has scored nine goals in his last seven appearances for Brazil in all competitions, becoming the eighth Brazilian to score a brace on his World Cup debut and the first since Neymar in 2014.
Since his debut for the national side in September 2018, Richarlison has scored more goals in all competitions for Brazil than any other player (19).
Before being subbed off in the final 15 minutes, Vinicius Junior had been involved in 50 per cent of Brazil's 16 shots in this match with four shots and four chances created.
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