Brilliant Brazil

THE five times world champions did not disappoint their diehard fans when they took up Serbia in their first group match. In the first 45 minutes, the Serbians did enough to keep the scores 0-0. They deserve praise for their effort.

However, after some hard talk from the Brazilian coach at half-time, the Brazilians shifted into another gear.

They cut through the Serbian defence like a knife in the butter.

The lung power of the fans, together with the fluidity of the Brazilian midfield, finally melted the solid Serbians. Richarlison, who had touched the ball the least number of times in the field until then, pounced on deflected ball to score and Brazil to lead 1-0.

The lead boosted the confidence of the number one ranked team and they mounted attack after attack.

Richarlison showed his class. The

No 9 proved worthy of wearing the number nine jersey.

He controlled the ball with ease and in one motion scored his second with a tailor made bicycle kick. I think this goal will be remembered for a long time to come.

ARUN PRASAD

Dilkusha, Nausori

Beautiful win for Brazil

RICHARLISON scored two goals, the second with a spectacular acrobatic kick to help Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 in its opening match.

Brazil struggled to get past the Serbian defence until Richarlison scored from close range in the 62nd minute in a buildup that started with Neymar and in the 73rd minute, the striker used one touch to get the ball up in the air and then spun around and got off the ground before knocking the ball into the net with his right foot.

Vinicius Junior assisted in both goals.

Neymar, seeking his first major title with Brazil, stayed at 75 goals for the national team, two shy of Pele’s scoring record after he was substituted with an ankle issue.

After South American giants Argentina lost, many had their hopes pinned on The Selecao to record a win in its opening game and the five time winners did not disappoint.

I’m so happy that Brazil won its opening match, but I’d love the boys to lift the trophy, which we last won in 2002 in Asia. Since that win, Brazil has not played in a final, including 2014 in its own back yard.

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu