Reds help Brazil start 2022 World Cup with win

The five-time winners of the competition triumphed 2-0 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, ensuring that they put an early three points on the board in Group G. 

Tottenham forward Richarlison got both of the difference-making strikes in the second half, with the latter - an acrobatic effort - an instant Goal of the Tournament contender.

 

Casemiro’s game by numbers vs. Serbia:

86% pass accuracy
77 touches
56 passes completed
11 final third passes
3 long balls completed
3/3 tackles won
3/3 ground duels won
2/3 aerial duels won
2 clearances
1 key pass

Effortless. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/tC6tQg4k1T

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 24, 2022

United midfielder Casemiro was named in the starting XI and played the full 90 minutes, impressing in his fifth match at a World Cup. 

The 30-year-old nearly capped off a brilliant all-round performance for the favourites with a stunning shot late on, that cannoned away off the woodwork. 

In the closing stages, fellow Reds Fred and Antony were both introduced by Tite for their debuts at the tournament. 

Alex Telles, who is currently on a season-long loan with Sevilla, awaits his World Cup bow having been an unused substitute in Lusail.

Brazil will hope to continue their perfect start to this year’s tournament when they face Switzerland on matchday two. The latter also won their opening game on Thursday, defeating Cameroon 1-0.

That fixture is set to take place at Stadium 974 in Doha on Monday (16:00 GMT).