Brazil-Serbia is a match in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and is played on Thursday at 20:00: odds, predictions, TV and streaming.
One of the most anticipated national teams at this World Cup is definitely Brazil. The Seleçao has five titles in its trophy cabinet, no one has been able to win so many, but it is also true that its last triumph was 20 years ago, in the edition organised by South Korea and Japan. Despite disposing of an inordinate amount of talent each time, the Greenoro selection since 2006 has not been able to hold its own against the European representatives, although expectations were always very high. They are also high this time, as almost all bookmakers consider Brazil the big favourite for this international event. Tite’s line-up, however, was not so lucky in the draw. The group in which it has fallen, in fact, is decidedly challenging.
In addition to Switzerland and Cameroon, two selections traditionally not easy to face, there is the talented Serbia of Dragan ‘Pixi’ Stojkovic, a very strong contender for first place. Brazil will be making their debut against Vlahovic and his teammates and, logically, any success would put qualification for the round of 16 on the downhill path. It is a challenge that comes back four years later: they also clashed in the group stage at Russia 2018, with Paulinho and Thiago Silva castigating the Balkans 2-0.
Today, Seleçao is a mature team, complete in all departments and not just dependent on the flair of its star player Neymar. To understand how solid it is, it is enough to take a look at the results of the last three years: Brazil has only suffered one defeat from 2019 onwards, that – a painful one – in the Copa America final against Argentina, played in a deserted Maracanà because of the anti-Covid regulations. Otherwise, in the South American elimination round it was almost absolute domination. Serbia, on the other hand, is one of the possible outsiders, being able to count on players who play at high levels in the major European leagues. Stojkovic’s men qualified directly at the expense of Portugal, avoiding the playoffs by a whisker. In their last friendly match they overwhelmed the hapless Bahrain 5-1.
Brasil-Serbia: latest line-up news
Vlahovic
Tite is expected to opt for a 4-2-3-1, with Neymar as the only forward. The Psg striker will be surrounded by Paqueta, Raphinha and Richarlison, the latter in a tight ballot with Vinicius. The Seleçao coach’s other big doubt is on the defensive left flank, where Juventus’ Alex Sandro is tailed by Alex Telles. In defence, he relies instead on the experience of Thiago Silva and Marquinhos. Completing the backline is Danilo. In the midfield, finally, two men of ‘substance’ like Fred and Casemiro.
On the other side, Stojkovic is likely to prefer Vlahovic, who returned to scoring against Bahrain, in attack: the Juventus centre forward could get the better of Mitrovic. Also probable is the presence of Jovic, who together with Tadic will assist the Juventus player. In midfield the lighthouse is Milinkovic-Savic, the star of Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio team, and on the right flank another Serie A star, Juventus’ Kostic, will take his place.
The Prediction
Brazil’s main strength is the great balance between the various departments: up front there is obviously no shortage of quality and individual technique, but also in midfield and defence there are plenty of players, from Casemiro to Thiago Silva and Marquinhos. For Serbia, in short, it will not be easy to find the way of the goal, even though the Greenoro have rarely faced such an attack in the last three years. In any case, we imagine a very balanced match, which will probably be decided by the play of individuals: Brazil remain favourites in a spectacular match with at least three goals in total.
Brazil-Serbia
likely line-ups
- BRASILE (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Fred; Paqueta, Raphinha, Richarlison; Neymar.
- SERBIA (3-4-1-2): V. Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S. Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
