Richarlison Stars As Brazil Beat Serbia In Opening Victory

World Cup favorites Brazil got their 2022 tournament off to a winning start after a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday at the Lusail Stadium.

Richarlison scored twice to confirm all 3 points for the Samba Boys who have now not lost in 16 World Cup group games.

Brazil arrived in Qatar accompanied by the usual huge weight of expectation that always accompanies the five-time world champions.

They have not lifted the coveted trophy since they beat Germany 2-0 to clinch the title in 2002 but the youthful squad is confident of rewriting history this time around.

Brazil played a patient game to break down an organized Serbia side but forced the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Tottenham striker Richarlison turned home a close-range finish.

The highlight of the game came 11 minutes later when he controlled the ball perfectly from a Vinicius Jr pass before readjusting his body to score with a thunderous volley.

Brazil coach Tite and the entire technical bench erupted in celebration after what has been called the goal of the tournament so far.

Gabriel Jesus, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench in a powerful show of squad strength, although there was the worrying sight of Neymar going off after taking a knock.

The win was identical to Brazil's victory over Serbia in their last group game of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

It was by far an easy game for the Samba Boys against the 21st ranked nation in the world but at the end of it all the 3 points is what matters as they sit atop Group G.

Switzerland are second in the group after they registered a 1-0 victory over Cameroon courtesy of a Breel Embolo goal.

Brazil will take on the Swiss in their next encounter on Monday, whilst Cameroon and Serbia battle it out in a must-win game in Group G.