FIFA WC 2022: Richarlison at the double as Brazil begin their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia in Group G

By
Jehan Mucadum
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Brazil 2-0 Serbia: Richarlison scored a brace as Brazil began their World Cup Group G campaign with three important points on Thursday night.

The Tottenham striker got off the mark with a poacher’s finish before settling the game with a goal of the competition contender strike of the ages.

FIRST HALF

Brazil got proceedings underway and as expected had more share of the ball. There were free movements from the mid-field as Casemiro held fort and kept the ball knocking around.

Raphinha had the first chance of the match but his tame effort was saved easily by Milinkovic-Savic. He knew he should have done better.

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It was a Brazilian show as they controlled possession and had more attacking intent as the half grew.

SECOND HALF

The Serbians kicked off this half but soon Brazil got the ball in their half and were more attack minded after ending the 1st half goalless.

Brazilian pressure mounted with Sandro rattling the post from 30 yards in the 60th minute. This was a warning sign that the 5-time champions were settled.

The deadlock finally broke in the 62nd minute as Richarlison made it 1-0 with a typical poacher’s goal.

Neymar did well to evade the defenders before Vinicus took the ball and shot at goal. Savic made the save before the Spurs striker scored on the rebound.

The number 9 made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute with an early contender for goal of the World Cup.

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Vinicius Junior’s low pass was perfectly weighted to the forward. He then took a touch to bring the ball up before scoring a screaming of a bicycle kick.

The goal was a typical Brazil-esque one to double the lead and dash any minimal hopes of Serbia’s comeback.

Casemiro had his chance to get on the score-sheet but his effort clattered into the bar. Fred too had his chance saved by the Serbian keeper. Serbia was deflated post the 2nd goal but overall were relatively toothless going forward.

Brazil got off to the perfect start with a win and jumped to the top of Group G.


       

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