Richarlison:
He will not be prolific at membership stage, however there’s one thing about that well-known yellow jersey which brings out one of the best in Richarlison. There was loads of debate as to who needs to be carrying the No.9 shirt for Brazil, however we cannot be listening to any complaints now. Gabriel Jesus has his followers, and plenty of had been stunned at Roberto Firmino’s omission from the World Cup squad, however right here Richarlison delivered a masterclass, proving to the world why Tite has a lot religion in him. His report this season for Spurs is modest – two targets in 15 appearances in all competitions, and none in 10 Premier League outings – however he is obtained 19 in 39 caps for his nation now, 9 in his final seven, and right here he demonstrated all of his penalty-box prowess. The response for the primary purpose was excellent, faster than the Serbian defender to transform after goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, as soon as of Manchester United, had pushed out Vinicius Junior’s low strike. Then got here the encore, Richarlison controlling Vinicus’ astute go with one contact earlier than adjusting his physique fantastically to search out the nook with a spectacular, acrobatic end. It was just about his final act. He was changed by Jesus quickly after, with Tite keen to not take any dangers together with his broken ankle. No marvel. Brazil are going to want him if they’re to expertise the Pleasure of Six in Qatar.
Vinicius Junior:
Everyone knows Brazil’s historical past on this match, and everyone knows how a lot pleasure they’ve given the world with aptitude gamers down the years. So whereas the pre-match focus fell largely on Neymar, what a deal with it was to see the youngest member of Brazil’s entrance 4 take his first steps on the large stage, and look completely at house whereas doing so. Vinicius, at 22, is already some participant, already a Champions League and La Liga winner, and already one of the vital thrilling younger forwards in world soccer. Right here, we noticed why.
He had a hand in each of Richarlison’s targets, his shot parried for the primary and his cute go expertly completed for the second. He might need had a pair himself, however skewed one effort vast and was denied by a courageous cease from Milinkovic-Savic on one other event. He’ll really feel he ought to have finished higher with each alternatives. However each time he obtained the ball, which was not typically sufficient in reality, he appeared like he would make one thing occur. He’s the type of participant to get you off your seat, and one of the best factor is, he is solely going to get higher and higher.
Casemiro:
Amid all of the attacking expertise on show, right here was one other reminder that in the event you win the midfield, you often win the sport. Brazil received the midfield comfortably, and far of that was all the way down to Casemiro, who’s starting to purr after a low-key couple of months following his transfer to Manchester United. The 30-year-old bossed proceedings, his potential to learn the sport and canopy house making it virtually not possible for Serbia to launch counter-attacks. His passing was crisp and correct – one go into Vinicius within the first half was merely lovely – and he very practically rounded off a fantastic show with a 25-yard screamer within the second half. Alas, the crossbar intervened on that event, however this was a world-class efficiency from a world-class performer.