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2022 World Cup: Unstoppable Richarlison double seals Brazil win over Serbia

By BBC
World Cup Richarlison esulta per il gol in Brasile-Serbia - Mondiali 2022Image credit: Getty Images
NOV 24, 2022 LISTEN
Richarlison esulta per il gol in Brasile-Serbia - Mondiali 2022 Image credit: Getty Images

Richarlison lit up the World Cup with a moment of Brazilian magic as the tournament favourites overcame Serbia's stubborn resistance to open their campaign with an impressive victory.

Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbia rearguard but forced the breakthrough after 62 minutes when Tottenham striker Richarlison turned home a close-range finish after Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved Vinicius Junior's effort.

Richarlison's crowning moment came 11 minutes later, at first mis-controlling a pass from Vinicius but readjusting brilliantly to take the aerial route and fire home an acrobatic right-foot finish.

It was no more than Brazil - backed by the massed ranks of their yellow-clad fans - deserved as they dominated throughout, with Alex Sandro and Casemiro hitting the woodwork and Milinkovic-Savic also saving superbly from Fred.

Brazil's performance made ominous viewing for their rivals, as did the sight of 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.

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