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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 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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. Over all, Brazil
dominated the whole match from start to finish.
The End
