What a goal, what an outrageous bicycle kick from Richarlison?, Richarlison’s stunning double sinks Serbia to get Brazil up and running.
Brazil have justified the favourites tag with a 2-0 win over Serbia in their World Cup opener, where Richarlison stole the spotlight with a stunning contender for goal of the tournament.
The English Premier League star tapped in his country’s first goal on Thursday night before an astonishing piece of skill finished off an outstanding team goal for his second.
In a play that began in Brazil’s own half Vinicius Junior punted an outside-of-the-boot cross into Richarlison, whose first touch lofted the ball above his head.
In one motion Richarlison turned, wound up his right leg and left the ground off his left to score past helpless Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
“Oh my, what a goal that is from Richarlison,” England legend Alan Shearer wrote from inside Lusail Iconic Stadium.
The goalscorer said the strike validated his fight to overcome injury and make the plane to Qatar.
“It is mad, you dream of this. It was a good game,” Richarlison said.
Brazil coach Tite started with Richarlison, Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha up front, with attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta playing alongside the defensively minded Casemiro.
But Serbia had several players back and were able to keep their South American opponents from creating many significant opportunities.
Vinicius Jr claimed the assist for the first goal after his shot from an angle was blocked by Milinkovic-Savic into the path of Richarlison.
Neymar was involved throughout without finding acres of space as he hunts the two goals required to match Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil.
He had his greatest opportunities with a free kick in the 50th minute and a shot from near the penalty spot in the 55th.
Neymar ended the match with an ankle injury, briefly in tears on the bench before doctors applied ice to the problematic area.
Brazil’s best chance before Richarlison’s opening goal had been a low long-range shot by Alex Sandro that hit the post in the 60th minute.
“In the second half they were a bit more tired, which we expected,” Casemiro said.
“Richarlison is a super player, we knew that in the box he is a super striker.”
The Selecao will next face Switzerland, who defeated Cameroon 1-0 earlier on Thursday.
Brazil have not won a World Cup since 2002 but the win over Serbia extended their current unbeaten streak to 20 matches featuring 17 wins.
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