World Cup 2022 Brazil vs Serbia, Tips and Predictions

Brazil are the favourites in the outright World Cup betting odds and there will be many punters who will be keeping a close eye on their progress in this opening Group G fixture. They begin the tournament with a match against familiar foes Serbia. The pair met at Russia 2018 during the group stage with Brazil picking up a fairly comfortable 2-0 success.

Tite has been extremely complimentary of this squad and he has not been afraid to test some of his younger players during his team’s preparations for this tournament. Brazil arguably have the greatest strength-in-depth and having failed to reach the final four in 2018, they will be determined to go at least one step further this time around. They won each of their last three qualifiers by the same score-line (4-0) and have proven defensively stubborn so far in 2022.

In their current guise, Serbia have qualified for two of the last three tournaments and although they got off to the perfect start in 2018, they were unable to progress beyond the group stage. They were very impressive during the qualifying period and took four points off Portugal. They finished the qualifying campaign with an unexpected 2-1 victory over Portugal despite falling behind after just 2 minutes.

It’s no surprise to see that 10Bet have made Brazil odds-on favourites for this group opener. Tite’s side always tend to start tournaments strongly and although Serbia can be tough opposition, the South American side have a far greater strength-in-depth and far more individual talent.

• These two sides faced one another at the 2018 World Cup with Brazil running out 2-0 winners. Goals from Paulinho and Thiago Silva were enough to give them a routine victory. Their only previous meeting came in a 2014 international friendly.
• Brazil –Brazil finished six points clear of Argentina at the top of the South American qualifying section. Although they could only draw with La Albiceleste, they were relentless when it came to facing lesser opposition. Tite has significantly improved Brazil’s defence and they were breached on just five occasions throughout the 17-game period.
• Serbia – Serbia’s matches at the World Cup have been fairly unremarkable and low-scoring. In 2018, they scored just twice, whereas four years earlier, their three matches contained a total of just five goals. Nevertheless, with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic having impressed in the Premier League, they have an in-form poacher in their squad.

Brazil already have the measure of this opposition and have won their opening group game in nine of their last ten appearances at the World Cup. Serbia impressed during qualifying, but this may be a step too far for them.

BRAZIL WIN

Serbia’s games were fairly entertaining during the qualifying campaign and weren’t afraid to play on the front foot against top sides. They should play their part in an entertaining contest here.

OVER 2.5 GOALS

Fans are feeling confident ahead of this tournament and with questions surrounding the likes of France, Germany and England, this may be the ideal opportunity for Brazil to clinch their first World Cup success in two decades. They will need to make a fast start and display their trophy-winning credentials during the early stages of this competition.

BRAZIL -1 HANDICAP

Brazil

Brazil eased through qualifying and have looked efficient at both ends of the pitch. They conceded just one goal in their first four matches at Russia 2018 and were also breached just five times during qualifying.

Key Players: Casemiro, Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr.

Team News: Brazil were one of the first sides to name their World Cup squad and there were very few surprises within Tite’s selection. Richarlison returned to action recently and could have a role to play from the bench whereas Lucas Paqueta will be involved too.

Predicted Lineups: Alisson, Alex Telles, Marquinhos, Dani Alves, Bremer, Casemiro, Fabinho, Lucas Pacqueta, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Neymar Jr.

Serbia

Serbia enjoyed a hugely successful qualifying campaign, however, they were equally as formidable ahead of Russia 2018. They need to prove that they can compete at a major tournament and will be aiming to qualify for the last 16 as a minimum requirement.

Key Players: Dusan Tadic, Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Team News: Aleksandar Mitrovic has been carrying a knock and hasn’t featured as regularly as he would have liked for Fulham. He is likely to play some part, although he is unlikely to play a full 90 minutes. Dusan Vlahovic has also recently recovered from an issue and should be fit enough to feature.

Predicted Lineups: Predrag Rajkovic, Stefan Mitrovic, Milos Veljkovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Erhan Masovic, Ivan Illic, Nemanja Gudelj, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Tadic, Luka Jovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Brazil are deservedly priced up as short-priced favourites here and they should be able to start the tournament with a comfortable and comprehensive victory. Serbia will pose a significant danger going forward, but Tite’s side are incredibly well-organised and have a hugely talented squad.

Bet on Brazil Win and Over 1.5 Goals