Favourites Brazil begins its World Cup effort as Ronaldo and Portugal enter the contest

• Favorites Brazil start their quest for a sixth World Cup victory against Serbia on Thursday
• Cristiano Ronaldo will look to put his contentious split from Manchester United behind him as Portugal face Ghana

Brazil will be wary of a dangerous Serbian team when the teams clash at Lusail Stadium, especially after watching Germany fall to Japan on Wednesday and Argentina suffer a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at the same location.

The Brazilians arrived in Qatar aiming for a repeat of their success in Japan at the previous Asian World Cup, where they won their fifth championship, which occurred twenty years earlier.

Neymar, the most expensive player in the world, has been in menacing form for Paris Saint-Germain, but Tite’s team can also rely on the Real Madrid combo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, as well as other superb strikers who are willing to share the load.

According to me, these players will aid Neymar since they can share the load and make room for him, stated veteran Brazil captain Thiago Silva.

“The team has a very positive atmosphere. Having both young and seasoned players together fosters a strong bond “Added he.

In contrast to four years ago, when they faced Brazil in the group stage but lost 2-0 and were eliminated in the first round, Serbia now appear to be a more dangerous opponent.

Dragan Stojkovic, the Serbian coach, stated that his team had no fear of anyone in the world, not even Brazil, and expressed optimism that prolific Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic would be ready for the Group G opening.

Ronaldo’s preparation for what is undoubtedly his final World Cup has been clouded by his painful exit from Old Trafford. Portugal is “totally focused.”

In the wake of an angry interview with a British television in which he claimed to feel “betrayed” by the organisation and had no regard for manager Erik ten Hag, it was revealed late on Tuesday that the 37-year-old would depart United with “immediate effect.”

Portugal will be expected to open with a victory at Stadium 974 on Doha’s waterfront against a Ghana team that is ranked 61st in the FIFA rankings despite the player’s dismal club form this season.

⏳👀🏆 #FIFAWorldCup 🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/nG4vQPJXip

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 23, 2022

Ronaldo’s departure from United, according to Portugal coach Fernando Santos, was not brought up by the players.

The players, according to Santos, are “completely focused, have a wonderful attitude, persuaded about what they must achieve, what their goals are, and realistic about the problems they are facing.”

A contest of this size is challenging to win.

Son will compete for Korea
In Group H, along with Uruguay and South Korea, Portugal and Ghana will face each other in the other game on Thursday.

After facial surgery, Son Heung-min will be allowed to play for South Korea despite donning a mask.

The Korean captain and Tottenham Hotspur forward broke his left eye socket during a UEFA Champions League match, necessitating surgery earlier this month.

Coach Paulo Bento declared, “Son can play and will be able to play.”

Japan overcame a deficit to defeat Germany in Group E thanks to goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, while Spain dominated Costa Rica 7-0 to open their campaign. Ferran Torres scored twice for the 2010 World Cup champions.

Michy Batshuayi’s goal handed Belgium a 1-0 victory over Canada in the late game on Wednesday. Alphonso Davies had a penalty saved for Canada.

rivals in Group F Croatia and Morocco tied 0-0 in the 2018 finals.

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