The only nation to have appeared in all 22 editions, Brazil, will open their campaign against Serbia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Thursday, November 24 at 19:00GMT.
Brazil once again come into the world cup as the holders of numerous records including the most successful nation at the tournament with five titles. A Seleção last lost to Argentina in the Copa America final and are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run. The 2002 champions topped the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 45 points out of a possible 51. (14wins and 3 draws)
Serbia have been stuck in the group stage in their last three appearances and hold a bad record of seven losses in nine World Cup games. Nonetheless, the Eagles have found form under manager Dragan Stojković as they forced Portugal to a playoff after topping their group with a shocking win over the Euro 2016 champions. Serbia have also impressed at the UEFA Nations League this year.
FORM GUIDE (LAST FIVE MATCHES)
Brazil have a 100% record in their last five matches while scoring 3+ goals in four of them. Serbia are also in the form of their lives with four wins out of five.
BRAZIL
27 September 2022 Brazil 5–1 Tunisia Friendly
23 September 2022 Brazil 3–0 Ghana Friendly
29 March 2022 Bolivia 0–4 Brazil World Cup qualifier
6 June 2022 Japan 0–1 Brazil Kirin Challenge Cup
2 June 2022 South Korea 1–5 Brazil Friendly
SERBIA
18 November 2022 Bahrain 1–5 Serbia International friendly
27 September 2022 Norway 0–2 Serbia UEFA Nations League
24 September 2022 Serbia 4–1 Sweden UEFA Nations League
12 June 2022 Slovenia 2–2 Serbia UEFA Nations League
9 June 2022 Sweden 0–1 Serbia UEFA Nations League
HEAD TO HEAD
Both teams will engage each other for the third time in a trend that looks like once every four years. Brazil were 2-0 victors over Serbia in their only World Cup meeting which occurred in Russia last four years.
06 Jun 2014 Brazil 1-0 Serbia International Friendly
27 Jun 2018 Serbia 0-2 Brazil FIFA World Cup
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United’s Antony may be a doubt as he recovers from a minor injury but Brazil still have Neymar, Vinicius and Raphina to pick from while 38-year-old Thiago Silva leads the defence with Marquinhos. Tite is likely to continue with Richarlison in attack as well ahead of Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison
SERBIA
Fulham talisman, Aleksandar Mitrović is a major doubt for Serbia ahead of their opening match. Luka Jović and Dušan Vlahović are probably the men to rely on upfront in the absence of Mitrović while captain Dušan Tadić operates behind the duo.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
(3-4-1-2): V. Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S. Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic