Five-time world champions Brazil begin their Qatar campaign against Serbia at the Lusail Stadium, which will also host the Qatar 2022 World Cup final. We are in for a treat as beautiful football meets a centralized attacking threat. Will Brazil start on the front foot, or will Serbia upset the applecart?
To Win Match
Brazil 5/10 | Draw 34/10 | Serbia 54/10
Brazil chase their first World Cup triumph in two decades when they take to the field in Qatar. The South American giants enter the 2022 tournament as the top-ranked team. The quarter-finals and semi-finals are a staple for Brazil, and to further praise them, the last time they didn’t finish top of their group was in 1978.
Tite’s side has won seven straight matches heading into the tournament and are undefeated in their past 15. Of the 15, three have been draws, of which two were goalless, scoring 38 goals in the process. These results include four friendlies – one of which was against Serbia – and 11 World Cup Qualification encounters.
Brazil’s forwards are always eagerly anticipated by fans, boasting flair and quality in technique they abundantly possess. From their youngest player Gabriel Martinelli at the age of 21 to their oldest Dani Alves peaking at 39, you cannot deny quality upfront or in the backline. Unquestionably, all eyes will be laser-focused on Neymar Jr. as he bids to forge a path for Selecao.
After participating under the formation of Yugoslavia, and then Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 German World Cup, the first official participation as Serbia was at the 2010 South African World Cup. Unfortunately, Serbia failed to make an impact, finishing last in their group, managing just two goals.
Serbia was exceedingly impressive in their World Cup qualification campaign. They topped the group alongside Portugal, undefeated in eight fixtures accompanied by eight goals from Mitrovic.
They currently ride an undefeated five-match run from UEFA Nations League fixtures where, again, Mitrovic showed class, netting six in just as many games.
It’s quite obvious who the target man is upfront for the Eagles, but they are not short of talent. Fiorentina’s Luka Jovic has netted seven goals in 21 appearances so far this season, and countryman Dusan Vlahovic has assisted once, scoring eight in 15 appearances for Italian giants Juventus.
The Serbian frontline can hurt many opponents, but can their defensive line match the quality of their attacking threat?
Verdict: Brazil Win (5/10)
Although they have had to wait to kick off on the final fixture of the opening round, both teams know the value of this encounter in Group G. On paper, whoever walks away with three points here is likely to top the group. Brazil has not lost a group-stage fixture since the 1994 World Cup. Back the Brazilians.
