World Cup 2022 Brazil Vs Serbia, Tips & Predictions

World Cup Group G kicks off with a mouth-watering encounter between Brazil and Serbia in the Lusail Iconic Stadium. The match will take place on Thursday 24th November 2022, kicking off at 7pm (Irish time), 9pm local time.

No country can boast the World Cup pedigree of Brazil. The Samba Stars have won no fewer than five tournaments to date, but it’s 20 years since their last success. Now could well be the time for Tite’s men.

However, in Serbia, Brazil face a serious test in their opening game in Qatar. As well as recently topping their Nations League Group, the Serbs topped their World Cup qualifying group ahead of Portugal. Indeed, Dragan Stojkovic’s men defeated their main rivals away from home in their final group game. But despite those recent successes, it’s still no surprise to see most bookmakers have Brazil chalked down to win this one with their World Cup betting odds. Indeed, the likes of 22bet have Brazil as outright favourites for the world crown.

• These two sides have only ever met once previously – at World Cup 2018 in the Group Stage. Brazil ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Paulinho and Thiago Silva.
• Brazil are on a 15-game unbeaten run leading into this tournament. The last team to conquer Tite’s men was Argentina in the Copa America final, in July 2021.
• Serbia went though their World Cup qualifying campaign undefeated, winning six and drawing two of their games in a group that included Portugal.
• Both of these teams are unbeaten in their last five matches. Indeed, Serbia’s draw Slovenia is the only game these two have failed to win in those last five, scoring at almost three goals a game between them.

Opening group games at major international tournaments are not usually known for goals, but this will surely be different. The attacking talent on show here is immense. Yet more that that, with the likes of Neymar, Mitrovic, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior and Dusan Vlahovic on the pitch, these two sides boast players who are bang in form. It could be a tough afternoon for goalkeepers, but great news for fans, so our opening betting tip here is goals.

OVER 2.5 GOALS TO BE SCORED IN THE MATCH

As previously mentioned, both of these teams boast in-form strikers. And while Brazil have been strong defensively in the run up to this tournament, they won’t have faced as many attacks as high on confidence as Serbia’s main pairing of Vlahovic and Mitrovic. Indeed, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has already scored past Liverpool’s Allison this season in the Premier League, so our prediction is for the big man to again register here for his side.

BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

This could well be a classic encounter. Serbia have never really done themselves justice at major tournaments to date, but have a side brimming with talent and form. But this Brazil team – despite arguably lacking some of the global superstars of the past, Neymar aside – are the real deal. Expect Tite’s men to put out a statement notice to every other team in Europe with a win here, and the betting odds agree.

BRAZIL TO WIN

Brazil

Brazil have won more World Cups than any other nation, but it is now twenty years since their last success. The expectation back home is that Tite’s men will deliver, especially with some other of the fancied nations struggling for a bit of form. It’s over a year since Brazil have been defeated, and they are definitely the team to beat here. Indeed, bet365 have Brazil currently at betting odds of 9/2 to claim the iconic trophy, with France second favourites at 6/1.

Key Players: Neymar Jr needs little introduction to fans, but this is a Brazil side packed with talent. Spurs’ Richarlison and Barcelona’s Raphina have been in fine form for Tite’s men, while Liverpool goalkeeper Allison is vital for the South Americans at the back. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior is another player who could have a major impact on this tournament.

Team News: Coach Tite has no major injury concerns heading into the tournament.

Predicted Lineups: Allison, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Telles, Danilo, Casemiro, Fabinho, Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior, Raphina

Serbia

Dragan Stojkovic’s side have just completed an impressive Nations League campaign, topping a group including Erling Haaland’s Norway, as well as Slovenia and Sweden. And in Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia possess one of Europe’s in-form forwards. Mitrovic has been prolific for both club and country this season, and will be hoping to take that form to Qatar.

Key Players: Serbia will be relying on Mitrovic’s goals, but are packed with talent. Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic was one of the hottest properties in world football when he joined the Old Lady last season, while teammate Filip Kostic also recently joined the Turin club with a big reputation. Add in Ajax’s Dusan Tadic and Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and it’s clear that the Serbs will be a tough team to beat.

Team News: The side have no major injuries to report leading up to the tournament.

Predicted Lineups: Milinkovic-Savic, Pavlovic, Milinkovic, Veljkovic, Zivkovic, Tadic, Lukic, Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic, Vlahovic, Mitrovic

This game could be an early classic at this World Cup. This Brazil side are fancied for good reason having flown through qualifying, while Serbia are in fantastic form and boast some formidable talent of their own. Expect goals, but Brazil’s class to eventually tell.

Bet on both teams to score and Brazil to win