Richarlison magic as Brazil beat Serbia in opener

Richarlison's stunning volley capped an opening 2-0 victory for Brazil over Serbia in Group G.

The Tottenham striker was preferred to Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and justified his selection with both goals at a yellow-clad Lusail Stadium.

After a tepid first half where Serbia’s committed defence had the upper hand, Richarlison broke the deadlock with a tap-in in the 62nd minute and then scored a spectacular second 11 minutes later.

After flicking the ball up with his left foot 12 yards out, Richarlison spun and leapt into the air to send a right-footed volley flying into the corner of the net.

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Vinicius Junior’s pace down the left was Brazil’s biggest early threat, and a lively run by the Real Madrid forward led to a corner, from which Neymar forced Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to push the ball over the bar.

Neymar and Casemiro tried their luck from long range before the first real opening of the game arrived in the 27th minute.

A great ball from Thiago Silva picked out Vinicius on the left of the area but Milinkovic-Savic came out quickly and timed his block to perfection.

Neymar just failed to get on the end of a cross from Raphinha after good work from Lucas Paqueta while the former Leeds man was presented with a golden chance shortly afterwards having played a one-two with Paqueta but shot tamely at Milinkovic-Savic.

The Serbia keeper stood tall again just after half-time to keep out Raphinha once more following a mistake in defence, and Brazil continued to probe.

Neymar shot wide