Richarlison ignited the World Cup with a flash of brilliance from Brazil as the tournament favourites overcame Serbia's obstinate resistance to claim a stunning 2-0 victory to kick off their campaign.
Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbian rearguard. After 62 minutes, Richarlison scored a close-range goal after Vanja Milinkovic-Savic had stopped Vinicius Junior's shot. Richarlison's defining moment occurred 11 minutes later when he initially botched up a Vinicius ball but superbly recovered to take the aerial route and score an incredible right-foot finish.
Brazil, supported by their throngs of yellow-clad fans, dominated the match from start to finish. Alex Sandro and Casemiro both hit the post, while Milinkovic-Savic made an outstanding save from Fred.
Brazil's performance, as well as the sight of Gabriel Jesus, Antony, and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench in a potent display of squad strength, made for scary viewing for their opponents, albeit there was also the unsettling image of Neymar leaving the game after suffering an injury.