• Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 in their World Cup opener on Thursday.
• Brazil had eight shots on target compared to Serbia’s zero.

Favorites Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 in their World Cup opener on Thursday at the Lusail Stadium thanks to a pair of goals from Richarlison, one of which was scored with a spectacular aerial scissor kick.

After struggling at times in the first half, the record five-time winners went on a furious offensive in the second and were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison stepped in to score the first goal after a Vinicius Junior shot was saved.

In the 73rd minute, Vinicius assisted Richarlison on what is undoubtedly the best goal of the World Cup thus far: an incredible acrobatic effort that sent the ball flying into the back of the net.

The 2-0 result favours Serbia. If Raphinha had scored and Casemiro and Fred’s long-range shots had gone in, Brazil would have won 5-0 or 6-0.

Brazil had eight shots on target against Serbia’s zero. This match should answer any questions about why Brazil is the favourite.

Neymar was hauled off as a precaution after being kicked too many times, but they weren’t dependent on him. They have plenty of talent on the field and bench. Imagine defending against Raphinha, Richarlison, Neymar, and Vinicius for 80 minutes, then Antony, Martinelli, Jesus, and Rodrygo.

Casemiro in midfield, Fred, who has been good for Manchester United this season, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva at centre back, and Sandro and Danilo at full back. Allison plays goal, and if he can’t, Ederson will. Phew!

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