Doha

Two second half goals from Richarlison helped Brazil to begin their group campaign with 2-0 win over Serbia at the Lusail stadium in Doha on Thursday evening.

Richarlison’s twin strikes came in the 62nd and 73rd minute and helped him to take his individual goals tally to 19.

The Selecao were far from impressive in the first half. The flair which Brazil was known for has vanished to a large extent.

But more than the flamboyant style of play it was the precision passing and the decisive final touch which were eluding the South Americians in the first half.

They had the ball possession, had most of the cracks at the goals, earned some five corner kicks and kept the rivals guessing but the goal eluded them.

After Vinicius Junior and Neymar had come close to breaking open the Serbian defense in the first half it was in the second half that Brazil stepped up the pace.

After some close look in at the Serbia goal, the Brazilians nearly took the lead-up, but were denied by the metal work.

With a quarter gone unto the match Alex Sandro's long drive eluded a full stretched Serbia keeper but crashed into the goal post and rebounded into play.

Brazil did not have to wait long to take the lead and it came two minutes later.

Richarlison slotted home a loose ball from close range.

He scored his second goal when his right footed elegant drive from the centre of the box after been set up by Vinicius Junior.

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Vinicius fired in a cross with the outside of his foot and Richarlison controlling the ball with the inside of his left foot before spinning around, and firing an overhead kick with his right into the corner of the goal.