Brazil 2-0 Serbia: Richarlison's double - including a STUNNING scissor-kick - earns World Cup favourites an opening victory over stubborn Serbs... but Neymar injury leaves a sour taste
- Brazil were frustrated in the first half as Serbia closed down well and limited the attacking space
- But the second 45 minutes was a completely different story, with the Selecao taking over
- Richarlson tucked the opener home after the goalkeeper parried Vinicius Jr's effort into his path
- The second was beautifully taken by the Tottenham man, who cushioned a touch and volleyed in
- The only cloud over the result for Tite's side was an ankle injury to Neymar, who failed to shine
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
The pigeon has landed at the World Cup. In theory, it is not the best place for him among the hunting falcons of the Arabian peninsula. Then again, Richarlison has never been too concerned about perfection.
If he were, he would never embrace his nickname ‘Pombo’, Portuguese for the much-maligned bird. He is happy to poke fun at his own beaky features and peculiar gait, and Brazil are learning to love him for that.
Just as they do at Tottenham. Where they consider Richarlison genuine, determined and selfless. He works for his team. And his coaches and teammates have always adored him. Popular opinion in Brazil called for Rodrygo, Antony or Gabriel Jesus to start up front rather than him.
On this evidence, Brazil will take some beating at the World Cup after finding their rhythm in the second half
Richarlison was the star of the show for Brazil and his second-half double earned the points for his side
Richarlison created his own bicycle kick in a moment of pure brilliance to the delight of the Selecao fans
The second was glorious and the Tottenham man's opener simply predatory has he knocked home from close range
The injury to Neymar clouded what was otherwise a perfect night for the World Cup favourites in Lusail Iconic Stadium
They craved extra flair but those opinions are about to change because his two goals in 11 minutes against Serbia in the Lusail Stadium conjured a winning start for Brazil, despite an injury scare for Neymar who left the pitch in tears after twisting an ankle.
Richarlison’s first was a true poacher’s finish when Vinicius Junior’s fierce low shot was pushed up and out by the goalkeeper. Richarlison pounced. His striker’s instinct had him lurking in the right place, sniffing.
His athleticism enabled him to adjust, forcing the ball into the net from an awkward height. His second. Well, his second was something else. An acrobatic scissor-kick volley that will go down as a World Cup classic of the genre.
Vinicius rapped a cross firmly towards him. Not easy to bring under control, Richarlison’s touch sent it spinning into the air and over his shoulder. As it did, he assessed the trajectory, swivelled, leapt and twisted in the air and unleashed a screaming volley into the net with his right foot.
Richarlison was given the nod ahead of Gabriel Jesus and fully justified the selection up front
Brazil are now level on points with Switzerland in Group G and play them in their next game on Monday
Neymar suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury and the swelling was visible when he took his sock off
It was a frustrating night for the Brazil talisman, who failed to make a real impact on the game and was outshone
Two goals in 11 minutes. Nine in his last seven appearances for Brazil. He may not have the silky skills and creative flair of Neymar nor the electric pace of Vinicius but the Spurs forward has become integral to this team.
For more than an hour, they toiled to break down Serbia. Raphinha squandered two decent chances and Alex Sandro thumped an effort from range against a post.
Dragan Stojkovic’s team were obdurate, industrious and well organised with the steely glint of a team with a plan. One prepared to shelve their natural attacking instincts and deploy the discipline required to frustrate the life out of their gifted opponents.
For 45 minutes it worked. They came out with a back three and Sasa Lukic detail to closely patrol Neymar. Brazil’s playmaker drifted in his free role around centre forward Richarlison, flanked by Vinicius and Raphinha.
Neymar suffered a bruising night. He was softened up with a shuddering early tackle, and Lukic literally dragged the shirt from his back at one point in the first half as they tussled for the ball.
Serbia though were committed. They protected their ‘keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic whose anticipation, courage and a burst of pace from his line prevented Vinicius sprinting onto a sublime pass from Thiago Silva.
This was Brazil’s most effective ploy. Zip a few passes about, drag the defensive unit out of shape and slide the lightning quick Real Madrid winder in behind the right wing-back Andrija Zivkovic.
Serbia contained it, scrambling back, shuffling across, and closing space. While, at the other end, Alisson’s involvement was limited to fielding crosses. The Serbs offered very little adventure beyond seeking to spring out on the turnover of possession. Seldom with any threat.
Aleksandar Mitrovic niggled by an ankle injury this season, was fit enough to start up front but service was severely limited. The Fulham talisman has 12 in 13 for club and country this season. He is Serbia’s record scorer with 50 goals but never looked likely to extend the record.
Brazil returned for the second half more purpose. Having missed the best chance of the first half, Raphinha won himself another opportunity. Pouncing on a rare slip by Nemanja Gudelj and was clean through on goal.
Once again, the former Leeds man could did not have the precision to finish. Vanja made a block.
Serbia dealt with Neymar physically and eventually the No 10 had to make way in the second half
Vinicius Jr was a menace on the left with his pace and trickery causing all sorts of problems for Serbia
Aleksandr Mitrovic (right) was given the nod to start but struggled for service and his chances were limited
Serbia move on to their second game against Cameroon and will hope to offer more in attack against them
They got Neymar into the game. He dropped deep and embarked on a jinking run, gathering speed until cynically cut down outside the penalty area by Gudelj. Neymar took the free-kick himself. It clipped the wall and flashed over.
Alex Sandro beat Vanya but rattled the woodwork. The breakthrough was coming. Neymar miskicked and his volley skidded wide but he opened up Serbia for the first goal with a run into the penalty area.
Vinicius took it from him and forced a save and there was Richarlison. What a moment for the Tottenham player who feared his World Cup dream was over when he injured a calf muscle last month.
Instead he is Brazil’s opening game hero. His second will live long in the memory and he received a standing ovation. There might have been more as Serbia finally swept forward. Casemiro hit the bar but two was enough for a flying start. Can anyone catch the pigeon?
The Brazilians were frustrated in the first half but came to the party in the second to break the Serbian resolve
There is clearly a real collective harmony in the group and a reason why they are favourites to win the trophy
Richarlison's finish was the spectacular moment that the game will be remembered for and he was man of the match
Follow Sportsmail's live blog for the World Cup Group G clash between Brazil and Serbia.
This Brazil team are going to light up the World Cup with plenty more magic moments but that stunning Richarlison second was the first of them. Cream rose to the top this evening and Tite's men will take some stopping. Thanks for following along and be sure to join us tomorrow for four more games.
That's that then. Brazil take the three points and look a team who could very well be back at this stadium on December 18th. Richarlison will take the headlines and his second was absolutely superb. There are improvements to be made and Tite need to figure out how best to use Neymar - nice problems to have aren't they?
The camera pans to Richarlison, who has a giggle with Dani Alves on the bench, he was the difference maker tonight. The Tottenham man who isn't even an automatic starter for his club.
The full-back is going to have to battle on as Brazil have made all five subs. He doesn't look right and the calf could be the problem. That would be a real blow for Tite. Brazil are just quietly seeing this out now.
93 mins: The attacking creativity has been lacking this evening for the underdogs and they've hardly had a sniff. Silva and Marquinhos have marshalled the defence well but it has been an easy task.
89 mins: This second half performance against a very handy Serbia team is a real statement of intent and warning shot to the other contenders for the World Cup. The favourites are looking every inch a team to beat.
87 mins: Rodrygo is the beneficiary of some great work from Antony but just gives it too much juice. Raphinha makes way for Martinelli.
85 mins: This has been such a dominant second half from Brazil. You always fancied they'd create more as the game wore on but the sheer array of attacking options is incredible and eventually Serbia couldn't hold out. They've barely touched it in the last 10 minutes.
81 mins: Casemiro almost scored an absolute peach there. He came onto the ball rolled nicely to him outside the box by Jesus and side-foots a first-time effort onto the bar. Brilliant football and dare I say they look more fluid without Neymar.
Not bad changes to make, are they? Richarlison thought he might not make the World Cup due to a calf injury but he's made it and made it in style. Neymar was struggling a bit and sat on the ground so the nation will hold its breath over his fitness.
77 mins: Brazil are playing with the swagger that a two-goal lead can afford them now. Richarlison is on a hat-trick and looking full of confidence after that beautiful second to go with his predatory first.
Forget Neymar - Richarlison is the star of the show tonight. This goal is brilliant - an early contender for goal of the tournament. He pops it over his shoulder in the air, swivels and volleys past Milinkovic-Savic, who can only dive in vein. That was magnificent and completely justifies the selection. Game over you would think. Paqueta comes off for Fred. Rodrygo comes on for Vinicius.
70 mins: Another corner and this time the Brazilian frantically try to boot it away, it ends up being cleared off the line and Serbia are coming out swinging.
69 mins: Serbia force a corner and the aerial bombardment starts here. Pavlovic should do better but sends his effort high over the bar.
Attacking change for Serbia as they chase an equaliser. The game will open right up now.
Tadic was fouled but the angry reaction towards the ref from Lukic earns him an unnecessary booking.
62 mins: It has been coming. Neymar twists in and out before the ball falls to Vinicius Jr, who then forces the goalkeeper into a save across his body. It bounces into the grateful path of Richarlison who sniffed it out and shinned home the opener. Serbia might have to come out and play a bit now.
60 mins: Sandro's strike is wonderful and beats Milinkovic-Savic from range, hitting the base of the post and bouncing fortuitously to safety.
56 mins: Brazil are cranking this up now and are manufacturing chance after chance. Vinicius is found out wide by Sandro and feeds Neymar in the box but he can only send his shot wide of the target. It seems to be coming for the Selecao though.
53 mins: This is the tackle of the World Cup so far, Pavlovic, on a yellow comes steaming across his own box to slide in and take the ball away from Raphinha just as the right winger is about to unleash his shot. Full commitment.
He aims for the top left corner but the ball deflects off the wall and out for a corner, which is then cleared by the Serbian defence.
A booking for the Sevilla man and Neymar was in full flight there. He now has a glorious chance with a free kick just outside the box.
46 mins: Serbia mindlessly give it away on the edge of their own box and Raphina is in. He has time to pick his spot but the goalkeeper stands tall to block the effort and the winger is left to rue another golden chance gone begging.
Neymar is last out - he'll want to make a far bigger impact this half. We're underway again. Will this one open up? Job done for Serbia so far.
The Samba Boys aren't dancing all that well so far but their dance partner is a stubborn Serbian outfit who won't budge. Plenty more to come and that ridiculous Brazil bench could be key in the second 45 minutes.
In a tournament of mad amounts of injury time, there's hardly any here.
The centre-back is putting himself about a hell of a lot and that early yellow doesn't seem to have affected him. He's diving everywhere and the man mountain should perhaps rein it in a bit.
41 mins: The Brazil left winger does so well to snatch the bouncing ball away and create a great chance for himself on the angle. He can't tame it and sends the side-foot wide of the near post.
39 mins: A bit of a lull in the game and Brazil, for their occasional flashes of brilliance, have not found a rhythm so far. Serbia will be pleased with this, the longer they take the game without the scoreboard being troubled, the more tense the Samba Boys could get.
Beautiful build-up and Paqueta feeds Raphinha in space with plenty of time to pick his spot. The Barcelona man can only side-foot into the keeper's arms with a tepid attempt. Best chance so far.
33 mins: Silva slides in at the near post from a corner but can't quite stretch to the ball. Brazil are having it more their own way in recent minutes and the Serbian side cannot switch off for even a second. Casemiro's range of passing is superb and he picks out Raphinha in space, only for the move to break down.
29 mins: Brilliant timing from the Serbian keeper to come out and intercept just ahead of Vinicius, who looked like he'd get on the end of Thiago Silva's through ball. This Brazil side can spring into life so quickly.
26 mins: A break for Serbia looks promising down the right and the ball is floated towards Mitrovic at the back post. Alisson reads it a mile off and claims without any issue. The Liverpool man looks assured without having had much to do so far.
The Serbs try to play an intricate triangle out of trouble but it doesn't quite work and Pavlovic ends up having to guide the ball out for a goal kick under Neymar's attention.
22 mins: Nice build up for Brazil but they run out of ideas and the Man United midfielder unleashes from almost 30 yards. His effort is well struck but down the goalkeeper's throat.
19 mins: A blow to the left ankle has Neymar rolling around on the turf. It wasn't given as a foul and he jogs it off. He'll get a few kicks this World Cup you'd imagine.
The star man whips one in and it looks deliberate, with the Serbian keeper Milinkovic-Savic punching over.
13 mins: Tactically, it looks as though Brazil will just accommodate Neymar. He has the freedom of the pitch and is popping up everywhere. Tite is giving him full license to do what he wants so there's no excuses, this team is set up around him. Paqueta is penalised for a full blooded challenge. Fast start from both teams.
9 mins: The Lazio powerhouse collects the ball outside Brazil's box and tries to go it alone, bulldozing his way forwards before losing possession. He's playing further forwards than he would for his club and early signs are promising for Serbia, they're not sitting back and simply inviting pressure.
Really poor from Pavlovic. His clumsy touch escapes him, he lunges in recklessly to get it back, misses and then chases the ball down to commit another foul - easy decision for the ref and RB Salzburg man now has a tightrope to walk.
5 mins: The Real Madrid man plucks the ball out of the night sky before surging away from his marker and sparking an attack on the right. Raphina surges clear but his delivery is blocked in the box. A first warning sign for Serbia.
2 mins: A silky first touch from Neymar in a bit of traffic but he's closed down by three imposing Serbian midfielders straight away and ends up being bounced off it, then committing a foul himself. No doubts who the dangerman is.
And they're off, Brazil in their famous yellow and blue, Serbia deep red. The underdogs have three at the back.
Anthem time and the Brazilians, hand on hearts belt out Hino Nacional Brasileiro with typical passion. Alisson, incidentally is sporting a sensational moustache, completely irrelevant bit of detail for you there.
You cast your eye across the Brazilian line-up, scouring for cracks in the armour and there's not a lot to find. BUT, the full-backs are both the wrong side of 30 and prefer going forward to defending. Serbia might not be able to exploit them but other top nations might sniff a weakness. Also, the mentality has to be questioned. Can Brazil cope with the big moments - we might not find out tonight, but if Serbia play at their best, we'll find out a fair bit about the steel of Tite's side.
Mitrovic slotted eight goals in eight matches on the road to Qatar – a tally only Memphis Depay and Harry Kane (both 12) could better.
He's has also been in brilliant form for Fulham, scoring nine goals in 12 Premier League outings to sit fourth in the Golden Boot race. If Serbian midfielders are in two minds over what to do, sticking up a hanging cross to the back post will be the option.
The almost religious fervour that the Brazil fans have for their team sees them mourn defeats and celebrate victories like few others. Lusail Stadium is coloured yellow tonight and there's no doubt those who have travelled will make themselves heard and it could feel like the Maracana.
'I really believe they have a chance to win this year, today is a day where everything starts - seven finals. We have seen big teams like Germany lost and that can raise the awareness.'
Not exactly searing insight to say Neymar is integral but the stats are illuminating. He has been directly involved in 42% of Brazil's last 19 World Cup goals, scoring six and assisting two. This really feels like it could be the stage where the mature, experienced star could put his stamp on it.
Just over half an hour until KO and the Brazil boys are out on the pitch - that training top is just sensational. For my money the Brazilians and French have the best gear so far, honourable mention for the Germans but their sartorial elegance didn't help much on the pitch.
Interesting move to just go with Mitrovic up top - clearly Stojković is wary about having some kind of foothold in the game with Brazil expecting dominate the ball. Pack the middle, keep it narrow and out-muscle the Selecao could well be the order of the day. Vlahovic has been coming back from injury himself but no doubt we'll see the Juventus man at some stage.
Mitrovic starts for Serbia - that's the headline news here. He's shaken off that ankle injury and has been deemed good to go.
As expected, Tite names a very attacking side with Neymar floating around behind Richarlison, Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. Casemiro and Paqueta provide the balance in midfield. No surprises in defence.
Kudus and Neymar will come face to face in the final group game in what could be an awkward encounter. The Ghanaian originally claimed the PSG star wasn't better than him, just had a higher profile, before denying those remarks.
Night has fallen in Qatar and the stadium is lit up spectacularly. Elsewhere, Portugal are now cruising, 3-1 up against Ghana having been pegged back to 1-1, and Brazil will be taking centre stage in just under an hour and 20 minutes.
The Swiss battled past Cameroon earlier today, taking a 1-0 win to top the group ahead of tonight's game. They'll face Brazil on Monday, while Serbia meet Cameroon on the same day. Read the report of the Group G opener below:
Greeted by the giant chick mascot, the only way to arrive at Lusail Iconic Stadium isn't it. Will we see Brazil make a statement like Spain, England and France tonight or can Serbia follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia and Japan (albeit with a stronger side than those two)?
The Spurs forward always seems to deliver for his country and nothing means more to him than playing for Brazil. Could he be the difference maker in Qatar?
It is a fair old way from Brazil and slightly shorter hop from Serbia but both sets of supporters have that buzz of excitement they can only feel with optimism in the air before a ball is kicked. Brazil are heavy favourites but cannot sleep on the Serbian side this evening.
The winger has been tearing it up for Arsenal this season but many in Brazil felt his inclusion in the squad over Gabriel Barbosa was fortunate. He'll be desperate to prove himself in the national side but is likely to have to make an impact from the bench under Tite.
The technical quality advantage of course lies with Brazil but Serbia could make life difficult this evening. Expect physicality and aerial bombardment. Set pieces could be key and Silva and Marquinhos will have their work cut out.
Neymar's sister Rafaella Santos once celebrated one of his goals so passionately that she dislocated a shoulder, slightly scary commitment to the cause.
Serbia come into the World Cup on really solid form having topped their qualifying group but they do not have a happy history against Brazil.
The Samba Boys are unbeaten in 17 matches against Serbia (including Yugoslavia) since an 8-4 defeat in Belgrade on 3 June 1934. They only have a better record against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Kitman's work is done for now - flipflops for everyone (naturally) and a few pairs of boots - Thiago Silva seems to have the most. No idea how he chooses with of the five sets to wear.
Thiago Silva insists the mentality of Brazil is spot on but anything less than a World Cup win will be a disappointment. The traditional heavy hitters on the global stage are not at their best, with the likes of Germany and Argentina already slipping up. This has to be seen as a golden opportunity for the Selecao to lift their first Jules Rimet trophy since 2002.
Look at this man/woman/large child strutting around in the mascot suit. All the confidence of champions elect. In fairness, plonking a massive fur suit on in Qatari heat is probably sweaty work. He'll be cramping up in a bit.
Strength in depth is an understatement for Tite's side. They have so much attacking riches and of course Neymar is the jewel in the crown. Richarlison is understood to be frontrunner to lead the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus. Raphina and Vinicius Jr are set to provide the width and Casemiro should be alongside Lucas Paqueta in midfield. At the back, the wise old head of Thiago Silva is expected to partner Marquinhos with Alex Sandro and Danilo at full-back.
The Brazilian defenders will breathe a huge sigh of relief if the prolific Fulham forward is named on the bench later. He is just so hard to deal with and a constant menace in the air.
But Mitrovic is recovering from an ankle issue and even if he is picked to start, is unlikely to be at his razor sharp best. It will be fascinating to see if the combative striker is given the nod - not that it is a disaster for Serbia without him - Dusan Vlahovic and Luka Jovic are more than capable of providing the goal threat.
Bright yellow shirts and blue shorts are instantly recognisable to any football fan around the world. The Brazil kitman has been busy already, laying out the squad's kit for tonight's game well ahead of time. How do you even become Brazil's kitman? Decent work if you can get it.
A tidy little package to answer some of the important questions about this one...
Dubious as it is to just chuck 'iconic' into the stadium name or any name for that matter, Lusail is a wonderful venue and the largest in Qatar. Sitting around 20km north of Doha, it will play host to 10 games this tournament, including the final. Will Iconic Griffee reckons there's a decent chance Brazil will be back there on December 18.
The Samba boys, the five-time champions, kings of flair and tournament favourites - Brazil make their first step on what they hope will be a glorious campaign this evening. But we've already seen our fair share of upsets and the Serbians would dearly love to spoil the party. Keep it here for all the build-up and then live updates from the game later.
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