Odds back favorites Brazil ahead of tricky Serbia match-up
AS HIGH expectations mount on Brazil to go all the way to lift the most coveted World Cup trophy, the Selecao are keeping their cards close to their chest as they prepare to face Serbia in their World Cup Group G opener today.
The pressure is on as Brazil aim for a record-extending sixth title with a squad loaded with talent but full of young players, with 16 of them making their World Cup debut.
A new generation of talented youngsters like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Raphinha, Eder Militao, Bruno Guimaraes and Antony, among others, have emerged on the elite stage of European club football.
Paring the young guns with an inform Neymar has made Brazil a juggernaut, winning 37 of the 50 games played since their 2018 World Cup quarterfinals loss to Belgium in Russia.
In that period, Brazil lost one official match, a 1-0 defeat by bitter rivals Argentina in the Copa America final.
They conceded 19 goals in this World Cup cycle, finishing 33 of those 50 matches with a clean sheet.
Tite’s background as a defensive coach means there has been much speculation over his team selection for the match against Serbia, with the biggest question mark surrounding Vinicius Jr.
The 22-year-old scored Real Madrid’s winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool and finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or ballot last month, elevating him to a world-class level in his fifth season with the La Liga side.
However, he still has to secure a place, with Tite not disclosing whether he will pair Fred with his Manchester United teammate Casemiro to strengthen the midfield or unleash Vinicius up front alongside Neymar, Richarlison and Rafinha.
Even the players don’t yet know for sure who will be playing from the start against Serbia, who clinched an automatic berth in Qatar with a comeback 2-1 win over Portugal in their last Group A qualifying match.
Overall, Serbia won six games and drew two, sending second-placed Portugal to the playoffs.
They arrive at the World Cup full of confidence after finishing top of their Nations League group, sealing promotion to top-tier League A with a 2-0 away win over Norway with goals from strike duo Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.