Richarlison produced one of the goals of the tournament as Brazil made a successful start to their World Cup campaign, defeating Serbia 2-0 at Lusail Stadium, but Neymar limped off just after the hour and is a doubt for future games.
This had looked like a stiff test for the selecao, but was broken apart by the combination of the Spurs forward, who scored twice in ten minutes, and Real Madrid winger Vini Junior, who laid both on for him.
The second will live long in the memory, an expression of what fans expect from Brazil with a superb outside of the foot cross, pinpoint control and a spectacular overhead kick. Serbia, who had defended well, could only look on and wonder what they were meant to do to stop it.
Neymar was removed soon after the decisive goal and was seen limping from the field. Images later appeared on social media of the PSG star with a large lump on his ankle. He took his usual share of boots from the Serbian defenders and looked disconsolate on the sideline after his withdrawal.
Early reports are that it is a sprained ankle, though these are unconfirmed.
“It’s the goal of the tournament,” said Robbie Cornthwaite on the SBS post-game show. “Serbia showed what you can do in the first half, but eventually Brazil will tear you down. They looked as if they were having a good time, the way they celebrated, singing and dancing.”
On the BBC, Chris Sutton described it as “a work of art”, while Alan Shearer said both strikes showed the diversity within Richarlison’s game.
“His goals were very different,” said the England legend. “The first was a poacher’s goal which gave me as much satisfaction as seeing the incredible volley, with the touch and everything else, for his second.
“He’s in the right position, he gets his shot away – watch his movement, he’s first to react, as all good strikers are, it’s what you have to do. It looks very simple but it’s not.”
Craig Foster saved his biggest praise for Vini Junior. “Richarlison’s finish was magnificent and you expect that from Brazilians, but Vini Junior broke that game up,” he said.
“He’s always at the heart of the best moments and he creates the first two goals. Every time he sees he has space, he just goes. He puts the hammer down and commits the defender.
“I’ve been talking about Vini Junior for a long time. Last year, he was the breakout star in Real Madrid’s run to the Champions League final, he’s a throwback Brazilian player. He’s going to be critical for this team.”
Foster also praised the depth that Tite has at his disposal, which he said made the favourites look more complete than they have in previous tournaments.
“They’re very strong,” he said. “There’s only a few who can bring those five subs on. Their depth is exceptional. Brazil hasn’t always had that. They had attackers and jogo bonito, but not depth at the back and goalkeeper. Now, they’re strong across the field.”
Dragan Stojkovic’s men will maintain hope of qualification with games against Switzerland and Cameroon yet to come, but they were never close today.
This was billed as a meeting of two of the more attacking sides at this tournament, or at least, two sides who would be more comfortable on the front foot than the back. Brazil had qualified with a frankly ridiculous 40 goals scored to just five against, while Serbia managed just one clean sheet in qualifying, and that was against Luxembourg.
Yet for the for the first half at least, Serbia totally nullified the Brazilian threat. Neymar’s effort direct from a corner was about as close as they came to opening the scoring in the first 20 minutes, and though the game had a good tempo, it was very much between the two boxes.
The selecao did make some inroads as the first half wore on, but never realistically threatened. Twice Vinicius Junior got himself in behind, but twice the defence regrouped and a chance was averted. Raphinha created something for himself, but the shot was tame.
After the interval, things picked up considerably for the favourites. Within seconds of the resumption of play, Raphinha pounced on a terrible pass from goalkeeper Vanja Milenkovic-Savic and was presented with a huge chance, but fired it straight back at the keeper.
The tone had been set for the second half. Raphinha got in again, but was denied by a last-ditch tackle, before the best chance of the game presented itself to Neymar, who fired wide.
Alex Sandro smashed a post from distance before, finally, the opening came. Vini Junior was the architect, producing a trademark jink inside and, while his shot was saved, Richarlison was on the spot to poke home. It had been coming.
If the first had been scrappy, the second that followed was pure samba. Vini Junior again created, crossing with the outside of the foot for Richarlison, who cushioned with one foot before swivelling to volley with the other. It was everything the world wants from Brazil.
The pair were soon withdrawn, but the waves kept coming. Casemiro hit the bar from range and both Rodrygo and Fred had shots smartly saved by Milinkovic-Savic. Antony made the Serbian fullbacks look silly, but Rodrygo again sent the finish over.
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