Richarlison makes it 2-0 with a side pull Photo: picture alliance/dpa
From BZ/dpa
Record world champions Brazil and superstar Neymar started the World Cup tournament in Qatar with a win. The five-time title winner and one of the favorites scored a well-deserved 2-0 (0-0) against Serbia in Group G on Thursday evening thanks to two goals from Richarlison.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker scored in front of 88,103 spectators at the Lusail Stadium with a save (62nd minute) and an artistic side kick (73rd) for the South Americans.
Familiar picture: Neymar lies on the lawn after a foul Photo: picture alliance/dpa
The attacking Brazilians were superior in the first half, but were unable to take advantage of the few chances they had. Even after the break, a lot was going on about Paris professional Neymar, and national coach Tite’s team increased the pressure in the entertaining game significantly.
Alex Sandro hit the post after just under the hour before Richarlison struck twice. Casemiro then put the ball on the crossbar. The Brazilians meet Switzerland and Cameroon in the preliminary round.
The Serbs, who had failed three times in the group games at a World Cup since the turn of the millennium, played to their defensive strength for a long time. On the offensive without the injured ex-Frankfurter Filip Kostic there was no punch.