With a stunning second goal from the much-maligned forward, the favorites announced their arrival in Qatar with a 2-0 victory.
Richarlison owns Brazil’s No. 9 jersey, so the debate about who should wear it can be safely concluded here.
The Tottenham player was the hero, scoring twice as the five-time World Cup champions beat Serbia 2-0 in Doha’s Lusail Iconic Stadium to kick off their 2022 campaign in style.
Tite’s team was aware that if they were to avoid a similar fate, they would need to be completely focused after witnessing Argentina, their great rival, succumb to one of the greatest shocks of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
They were, stoutly defending and then ruthlessly exploiting with two goals in 11 second-half minutes, Richarlison scoring first with a shot after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved and then adding a second with a spectacular overhead kick shortly after.
A success over Switzerland on Monday, then, would see the Selecao securely into the last 16, and you’d back them to get it.Twenty years after their last World Cup victory, Brazil appears to have a team that can go all the way again.
The winners and losers of Thursday’s game are listed below…
The Winners
Richarlison:
Although he isn’t particularly prolific at club level, Richarlison is brought to life by the iconic yellow jersey.There has been a lot of debate about who should wear Brazil’s No. 9 jersey, but we won’t be hearing any complaints at this point.richarlison de andrade
Many were surprised by Roberto Firmino’s absence from the World Cup squad, but Richarlison delivered a masterclass, demonstrating to the world why Tite has such faith in him. Gabriel Jesus has fans.His record for Spurs this season is modest, with two goals in 15 games across all competitions and none in 10 games in the Premier League.
However, he has 19 caps for his country now, nine in his last seven, and he showed all of his skill in the penalty box here.After goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, formerly of Manchester United, had pushed out Vinicius Junior’s low shot, the reaction for the first goal was outstanding. It was quicker than the Serbian defender to convert.
The encore followed, with Richarlison masterfully adjusting his body to find the corner with a spectacular, acrobatic finish after controlling Vinicus’ precise pass with one touch.It was basically his last performance.Jesus took his place shortly thereafter, and Tite was keen not to risk his injured ankle.Why not?If Brazil wants to participate in the Joy of Six in Qatar, they will need him.
Vinicius Junior:
We are all familiar with Brazil’s past participation in this tournament and the joy they have brought to the world through their flair players over the years.Even though Neymar was the main focus of the pre-match attention, it was a treat to see the youngest member of Brazil’s front four take his first steps on the big stage and look completely at home.
Vinicius is already one of the most exciting young forwards in world football at the age of 22. He has won the Champions League and La Liga.We saw why here.
Both of Richarlison’s goals came from him, the first from a shot that was saved and the second from a cute pass that was skillfully finished.
He could have scored himself, but Milinkovic-Savic made a brave stop on another occasion and skewed one effort wide.He’ll think that he could have done better with both chances.But he looked like he would make something happen every time he got the ball, which was not often enough, to be honest.He is the kind of player who makes you jump out of your seat, and the best part is that he will only get better.
Casemiro:
In the midst of all the attacking talent on display, there was yet another reminder that winning the midfield typically results in victory.Casemiro, who has been quiet for a few months since his move to Manchester United, was largely responsible for Brazil’s easy victory in the midfield.
The 30-year-old ruled the game, making it nearly impossible for Serbia to launch counterattacks with his ability to read the game and cover space.His passing was precise and crisp—one pass to Vinicius in the first half was simply stunning—and he almost scored a 25-yard touchdown in the second half.Sadly, the crossbar intervened that time, but this was an exceptional performance by an exceptional performer.
The Losers
Aleksandar Mitrovic:
This was not a night that Serbia’s all-time leading scorer would like to remember fondly.Mitrovic has been in incredible form for club and country for more than 18 months.
However, tonight, as Brazil’s defenders dominated and Serbia showed little to no desire to attack, he was taking advantage of scraps.The Fulham player finished the game without making a shot on goal or touching the opponent’s penalty area.While Serbia should be proud of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, who both performed admirably throughout the match, their main man will be needed against Cameroon next week to keep their hopes alive.
Raphinha:
Three of Brazil’s four forwards who started the game are aware that they will start Monday’s match against Switzerland.Raphinha is the other.The Barcelona player wasn’t terrible; rather, when big chances came his way, he messed up his lines.He hit the goalkeeper early in the second half and ended up suffocating an effort late in the first half.Then, at that point, came a deviant touch to waste another opening.Vinicius and Richarlison’s attendance at the party was the only thing that ultimately cost his side.The man from Leeds was not there when they promised to.Jesus, Antony, and Gabriel Martinelli, among others, will undoubtedly keep an eye on his shirt.
Neymar:
A nation breathes slowly.Their star player sank to the ground with a grimace shortly after Brazil took a 2-0 lead.Surely not another World Cup injury?Neymar certainly did not look amused as he made his way off the field to be replaced by Antony of Manchester United. Although it wasn’t quite the tears of 2014, when his tournament was prematurely ended due to a back problem, Neymar certainly did not look amused.
Because the game was won and Tite has a lot of talent on his bench, Brazil fans will hope that his departure was just a precaution. However, while he was sitting on the bench, he had ice on his suspected sprained ankle.The first signs are not encouraging.It’s possible that Neymar’s tournament is over…
