FIFA World Cup : Brazil vs Serbia

 The team that the World has been waiting for to start - Brazil, the Joga Bonito flag bearer of the Cup, took on Serbia in their Group G opener. As expected, Brazil started in style & flair, making numerous openings in the Serbia half, but not captalising on a clean finish. Neymar angled in a superb corner directly towards the goal, but the burly keeper Savic was alert to tap the ball over the bar. Raphinha, after a lovely play to enter the box, with just the keeper in front ended up with a tame shot into the hands of Savic & then Vinicius Jr  just before the half time, left it too long to take a shot ending up getting cleared by the Serbian defense. Serbia did very well to put bodies behind the ball & block the Brazilian surges physically most of the time. It was a good strategy to upset the rhythm of the men in Yellow Green. The 1st half ended goal less, despite territorial dominance of Brazil. 

2nd half started in whirlwind fashion as the Selecao came storming at the Serbian goal. Neymar in a hurry skewed wide & then Alex Sandro hit a swerving shot from around 30yards, that beat everyone, but thudded against the bar - the writing was getting clear, as Brazil attacked in waves & Serbian defense started to crumble. Around the 62nd minute, after some great dribble by Neymar just outside the box, Vinicius picked up & hit a curling shot at the goal which Savic pushed out only for the lurking Richarlison to tap in - his first in the World Cup on debut & 8th in the last seven caps. Brazil had opened their goal scoring account in the tournament. Nine minutes later, was a gem, when Vini again pushed the ball inside the box & Richarlison received with one touch, turned back & produced an acrobatic bicycle kick that breezed into the net past defenders & a hapless keeper. Score 2-0 & for sure this has been the goal of the tournament till now, as Samba magic arrived in full steam. Casemiro had a shot at the goal which crashed against the bar & then substitute Rodrigo curled the ball just over the far corner of the net. For the next 15 - 20 minutes, Brazil was toying with Serbia, who clung on to their best abilities. Raphinha was a constant threat on the right wing, while Vini kept zooming on the left, as the Serbians used every muscle & physicality to stop the flow. Serbia did put some brave attempts & earned three corners late in the 2nd half, but could not utilize their height & physicality to score from those set pieces. Brazil were too generous not to score at least another 2 goals in the final 15 mins of play, but for the giant Serbian keeper making some impressive saves. The only concern probably would be Neymar substituted with a seemingly ankle pain - hope nothing serious. He played a brave game & it was good to see that the team does not rely overtly on him to score.

It was a treat to watch & worth keeping awake so late. Richarlison also became the first Brazilian to score two goals on debut after Neymar in 2014. He had the least of touches as a forward in the game & yet had the scoresheet to his name.