Richarlison double sees Brazil begin with win over Serbia

Richarlison’s second-half goals earned World Cup favourites Brazil a deserved 2-0 win over Serbia in their Group G opener in Lusail.

The European side stifled the No 1-ranked team for over an hour but the Tottenham forward’s close-range finish after Vinicius Junior’s shot was pushed into his path by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic finally brought Brazil their hard-fought lead.

Richarlison scores twice as Brazil beat Serbia in World Cup opener

Richarlison double sees Brazil begin with win over Serbia

Richarlison then lit up the Lusail Stadium in Qatar with a stunning strike on the turn that arrowed beyond the Serbia goalkeeper to double the advantage.

His brilliant performance more than justified his selection as Brazil’s striker ahead of Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus.