World Cup

Brazil vs Serbia prediction

HINT: Brazil ODDS: 1/2 24 NOV @ 19:00

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Brazil head into the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy for a record sixth time, and what would be the first time in 20 years.

Tite, the same coach who guided them to the quarter-finals four years ago before bowing out to Belgium, remains the coach for this year’s competition too. This time, having won the 2019 Copa America and breezing through qualifying. A Seleção won 14 and drew their 3 other qualifying games, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 5. To put that in perspective, runners-up Argentina were the next best scorers with 27 goals, and the next best defence with 8 conceded.

But how will Brazil fare when they face European opposition in Asia? Well, many feel the conditions actually favour the South American, Asian and African nations heading into the tournament. And many feel Tite has the strongest squad to choose from.

Whilst France are my pick to go all the way, I won’t overlook Brazil. For once, they have a top goalkeeper heading into a World Cup, with Manchester City’s Ederson. They also have two solid centre-backs in Thiago Silva and Marquinhos. But there are holes in the side. Manchester United’s Fred in front of the back four is one example. An ageing defence could have fatigue issues if they’re to play 7 games in 29 days.

Either Richarlison or Gabriel Jesus will be the number 9. I’m not convinced either are good enough to win the Golden Boot. Neymar from out wide has a better chance in my opinion. And the Paris Saint-Germain star is not everyone’s cup of tea. He’d be the bookmakers’ very short favourite to win the most free kicks over the duration of the tournament if they offered such odds. But there’s no doubt he’s talented.

I am surprised Brazil’s odds are as high as 1/2 for their opener against a Serbian side that won’t be able to live with the pace of this Brazil side. Yes, they looked organised in qualifying but if they’re going to be defending for 90 minutes then they will ultimately be torn open at some point. On top of that, they’ve never really turned up at the major tournaments after some impressive qualifying campaigns.

I’m backing Brazil all the way in this opener.

Best bet: Brazil to win is 1/2 with BetFred