Five-time World Cup champions Brazil showed why they are one of the heavy favourites for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with their dominant 2-0 victory over European side Serbia.

Despite leaving some of their big players behind, including Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, and a host of others, Brazil was still star-studded deep into their reserve.

However, the Serbians were able to hold the South Americans and go toe-to-toe with them in the first 45 minutes as they were unable to breach a team that had gone 15 matches without a loss stretching as far back as the summer of 2021 when they lost to Argentina in the Copa America final.

After an entertaining first half, Brazil continued to dominate through Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Raphinha. However, Tottenham striker Richarlison opened the scoring thanks to a spillover by the Serbian goalkeeper off a Vinicius Junior in the 62d minute.

He was even more spectacular for the second as he scored spectacular scissors kick to seal the victory for the Samba Boys in the 73rd minute.

However, there were injury concerns as PSG forward Neymar was substituted 11 minutes from regular time. The team’s doctors confirmed that the forward had sprained his ankle, but assessment will be done in the next 24 hours to determine the extent of the injury.

Brazil’s head coach, Tite, explained that the forward’s injury might feel serious but believes that he will still play a part of the tournament.

“You can be sure: Neymar will play in the World Cup. You can be absolutely sure of this, Neymar will play in the World Cup!” Tite said.

Meanwhile, Cameroon lost 1-0 to Switzerland in the group’s other game, courtesy of a Breel Embolo second-half strike. 

On Friday, Wales will play Iran, hosts Qatar will face Senegal, Netherlands, and Ecuador, while the final game of the day will see England play the USA. 

Daniel Ademiju Idowu