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Brazil will come into the game as favourites, but this match could present interesting challenges for each team.
Tite’s side have become increasingly fluid since the last World Cup, with Neymar often operating in a free role either as a No. 10 or pushing further forward. Supported by a plethora of attacking talent including Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Antony, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus, Brazil scored 13 more goals (40) than any other South American team in qualification.
Bruno Guimaraes, Martinelli, Antony and Richarlison winning the Olympic tournament last summer (pictured above) should also provide belief for their younger inclusions. Dani Alves was also along for the ride in Tokyo.
Serbia can cause problems for Brazil even if Tite’s side dominate possession as expected. Aleksandar Mitrovic is not their sole threat, as Dragan Stojkovic has built familiarity with the Serbia squad on how they play.
They mostly used variations of a 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 in qualifying. Quick breaks were key for them, as they had more direct attacks (19 attacks starting in their half and ending in a shot or touch inside the opposition penalty area within 15 seconds) than any other European team in qualifying.
Andrija Zivkovic can also provide a threat as a wing-back, either whipping in crosses to Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic or clipping passes over the top for the latter to chase.
Brazil should assert themselves early on but need to be aware of the threats Serbia pose.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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