Richarlison scored twice, including an incredible second goal, as Brazil defeated Serbia 2-0 to open their World Cup campaign in Qatar on Thursday.
Brazilian strikers were repeatedly stopped by Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the first half, which ended scoreless despite Brazil having the majority of possession.
When Thiago Silva slid a low pass into the box in the 27th minute, Brazil came dangerously close to taking the lead, but Milinkovic-Savic made a good save and successfully cleared the ball.
After the break, Tite’s team came out firing, and Serbia were fortunate to avoid falling down when Milinkovic-Savic made yet another amazing stop on Raphinha and Alex Sandro’s powerful strike from a distance struck the post.
After Milinkovic-Savic stopped Vinicius Junior’s close-range attempt, Richarlison finally gave Brazil their well-deserved lead just beyond the hour mark with their 15th shot of the game, pounced on a loose ball in front of goal.
When Richarlison’s attempt to control a Vinicius cross into the box went up in the air, the Tottenham striker turned to his left and slammed a slant volley past Milinkovic-Savic to give Brazil a 2-0 lead.
Nine goals have already been scored by Richarlison for Brazil this year.
Brazil, who finishes the day atop Group H on goal differential over Switzerland, saw out the outcome to cement their status as World Cup favorites, and there was no way back for Serbia