Brazil vs Serbia 2-0: World Cup 2022 – as it happened

We’re going to spend the rest of the night digesting that Richarlison strike.

Tomorrow is another exciting day of World Cup action with some tantalising games in store.

• Wales vs Iran: 1pm (10:00 GMT)
• Qatar vs Senegal: 4pm (13:00 GMT)
• Netherlands vs Ecuador: 7pm (16:00 GMT)
• England vs USA: 10pm (19:00 GMT)

For a brief period, it felt as though Brazil would suffer the same fate Argentina did at the same venue a couple of days ago. But they dug in deep and grinded out a 2-0 win against a resilient Serbian team that will trouble lesser opposition in this tournament.

The Selecao took an hour to get going, but once they did, they showed the world why they entered the World Cup as favourites. It’s a result that will fill them with confidence.

Neymar’s injury blights a great night for Brazil.

🚑 INJURY UPDATE:

According to the Seleção’s doctor, Dr Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar suffered a sprained ankle & there is swelling. It didn't spike gravity.

🗞 – Itatiaia pic.twitter.com/dQ0Eir6yf0

— ⋆𝗡𝗲𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲 🇧🇷 (@Neymoleque) November 24, 2022

Tonight belonged to Richarlison but Serbia deserve credit for their performance. For an hour, they held Brazil comfortably at bay and their press was impressive. Their attacking threat was minimal, but their discipline and drive were commendable. It took a moment of magic for Brazil to kill off the game.

That second goal has arguably been the moment of the tournament so far. The type of goal that makes your jaw drop. The type of goal that has you tweeting gibberish. The type of goal that will be talked about for years to come.

Up against a turgid Serbia side, Brazil struggled to entertain tonight. But in Richarlison, they found their showman.

Brazil kick off their campaign in style. It wasn’t an easy win, but they got there in the end.

This does not look good for Neymar. Really hope he’s fit for the knockout round at the very least. pic.twitter.com/VGfv4lNgRW

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) November 24, 2022

Are there more goals in this?

90 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

There are low-flying F16s, and there are 60,000 Brazilian fans celebrating a World Cup goal. Which is louder? I got my answer tonight … and there are no F16s in sight.

Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli comes on in place of Raphinha.

87 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

Richarlison has as many goals at this World Cup for Brazil as for Spurs this season. pic.twitter.com/WmCB9xOBEV

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 24, 2022

The shackles have come off for Brazil, and they’ve forced Milinkovic-Savic into a couple of smart saves here. A third goal looks inevitable.

82 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

Neymar is replaced by Antony and Gabriel Jesus replaces goalscorer Richarlison.

78 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

Paqueta and Vinicius Jr are off. Fred and Rodrygo are on.

76 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

What a goal!

Richarlison controls Vinicius Jr’s low cross, swivels and mid-flight launches a scissor kick that flies into the bottom corner. Early contender for goal of the tournament!

73 mins: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia

The first Brazilian goalscorer of #Qatar2022 🇧🇷#FIFAWorldCup | @richarlison97 pic.twitter.com/T6IhWE6Y4G

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 24, 2022

Danilo clears off the line for Brazil. A meleé in the box following a Serbian corner and they were inches away from an equalizer. Serbia is going for it here!

70 mins: Brazil 1 – 0 Serbia

Brazil break away on the counter and find themselves momentarily in a 2-vs-1 situation. But, Neymar doesn’t release the ball quick enough to play in Vinicius and has the ball taken away from him. The ball does break kindly for the Real Madrid forward but he scuffs his shot wide.

It’s all happening here.

67 mins: Brazil 1 -0 Serbia

Serbia’s goal threat has gone up a notch. Juventus talisman Dusan Vlahovic has come on for Filip Mladenovic.

66 mins: Brazil 1 – 0 Serbia