Fifa World Cup 2022: Brazil live up to favourites tag with victory over Serbia

Brazil's Richarlison celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against Serbia. Photo / AP

With Neymar struggling to find space, Richarlison came through for the Seleção.

A spectacular acrobatic kick followed an easy tap-in from close range as Richarlison scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia this morning at the World Cup.

He had his back to the goal when he used one touch to get the ball up in the air near the penalty spot, then spun around and leapt off the ground before knocking the ball into the net with his right foot in the 73rd minute.

”My childhood dream has come true,” said Richarlison, who is playing in his first World Cup. “We knew it was going to be difficult to get past them. I’m used to playing against defensive teams like this in England. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities that I had and I did.”

Brazil had struggled to get past the Serbian defence until Richarlison scored from close range in the 62nd in a buildup that started with Neymar.

Vinicius Junior assisted on both goals.

Neymar, seeking his first major title with Brazil, stayed at 75 goals for the national team, two shy of Pelé's scoring record.

He was tackled hard a few times and appeared to hurt his ankle in the second half. He was limping at one point, and according to Brazilian media, was crying on the bench after being substituted in the 79th.

Brazil coach Tite started with an attack-minded squad that included four forwards — Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Richarlison. Attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta played alongside Casemiro, the lone defensive midfielder.

But Serbia had several players back and were able to keep Brazil from creating many significant opportunities. Neymar tried to control the pace but struggled to find space up front. He, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha all squandered chances early on.

Brazil’s best chance before Richarlison’s opening goal had been a low long-range shot by Alex Sandro that hit the post in the 60th. Neymar had his best opportunities with a free kick in the 50th and a shot from near the penalty spot in the 55th.

The 30-year-old Neymar arrived to his third World Cup as Brazil’s main attraction. He helped the “Seleção” win the 2013 Confederations Cup and their first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, but has yet to win a major title with the national team.

Brazil, trying to win their first World Cup in two decades, are unbeaten in their last 20 opening games, with 17 victories. They have finished first in their group in the last 10 World Cups.

Brazil and Serbia also played in the group stage in 2018, with Brazil also winning 2-0 to reach the next stage at Serbia’s expense.

Since competing as Serbia in 2010, the country have not advanced to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

As it happened in the Group H 2022 Fifa World Cup clash between Brazil and Serbia: