Brazil started their FIFA World Cup campaign with a bang as they defeated Serbia 2-0 in the opener with Richarlison scoring a brilliant brace. The first half may not be the best that Tite’s men have ever played but they are a very fine team and they showed it in the second half as Richarlison scored an absolute screamer for the second goal.
However there were many talking points in the game, with the goal, Neymar’s injury and also Thiago Silva’s backlash at the Serbian manager Dragan Stojkovic. The Serbian boss made a comment on Brazil’s attacking formation but it did not sit well with the veteran centre back as he claimed that they are one of the best teams in the world defensively.
During the pre match press conference Stojkovic joking said that Brazil will be playing four attackers but then who will defend. “Will four strikers play against Serbia? Then we are done… But will anyone play in defence?.”
Stojkovic who had represented FR Yugoslavia in the 1998 World Cup lauded the five time champions as he highlighted how dominant they have been over the years. But he also highlighted how Serbia won’t be afraid of Brazil going into the clash. “Brazil are a great team, one of the best in the world. For me they have a golden generation at the moment and I expect a very difficult game…The game starts at 0-0, we have a chance to win and we are not afraid of anyone, not even Brazil.”
Thiago Silva who heard these comments did not like them at all as he felt disrespected and hence after winning the match 2-0m, the veteran defender lashed out at Stojkovic. He said, “”Their coach said, we will play with four forwards, will there be anyone to defend? That is disrespectful. If you had studied our team, you would see that we concede few goals.”
It is true that Brazil despite being so flashy and attacking upfront have a very good midfield and defense and the leader like Thiago SIlva will definitely take a stand for his country. While Brazil started with four attackers in Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius and Rodrygo, they had Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro playing in double pivot and Thiago Silva and Marquinhos slotting in as the centre back pairing with Alex Sandro and Danilo played as fullbacks.
Brazil not only kept the clean sheet, they also restricted Serbia to zero shots on target. Silva was immense in the backline as he was marshalling the team really well and that reflected in their defensive performance against Serbia.
The Selecaos will next play Switzerland on 28th November and then featured against Cameroon on 3rd December in the penultimate group stage clash.
