QATAR 2022 / DEFEAT THAT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A WOUND

25.11.2022.

Defeat that does not have to hurt. Serbia was defeated by Brazil in the first round of the World Cup group stage – 0:2 (0:0) in a match that will soon be put into archives, because the Eagles are to face important and decisive matches with Cameroon and Switzerland.

In the first half of the match, we saw a good, well-organized Serbia. Vanja Milinković-Savić was reliable on the goal, with several confident interventions that then raised the confidence of his teammates. The back line was constantly on the alert, Veljković, Milenković, and Pavlović all had some strong duels and good reactions. Gudelj, Lukić, and Sergej in the middle of the field, Živković and Mladenović on the wings, of course Tadić and Aleksandar Mitrović, trying their best so they would reach half-time break with a positive zero-zero result. Brazil threatened in several situations, but the Eagles also had their moments that, with a little luck, could have been fata for Alisson. Of course, not a word about the refereeing, there are those who are responsible to assess it.

The second half brought the first opportunity to Brazil, a small drop of concentration was enough for Raphinha to go one on one with Vanja Milinković-Savić, who fantastically intervened, once again. Brazil had the initiative in those opening minutes of the second half, but we managed to resist, and all until the 64th minute when Vanja Milinković-Savić saved another attempt by the Brazilians, but the ball hit Richarlison, who had no difficulty scoring a goal. Substitutions followed, Lazović and Vlahović came in instead of Ilić and Radonjić. We regained our balance, had a chance after one set-piece, but Brazil was also threatening in a counterattack. So, Richarlison took advantage of one such attack in 73td minute and scored another goal.

Brazil kept their lead until the end, and won the match, but as the head-coach Stojković said, this is a tournament, nine points are at stake, two teams will go to the next round and not the focus is on Cameroon, then on Switzerland. So, let’s keep our chin up, it’s early days yet…