Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Brazil know they need to avoid defeat to avoid a potential embarrassing exit in the group stage of the World Cup. Group E is very close, with Switzerland playing already out Costa Rica, a clash they will expect to win. That means, Brazil vs Serbia is effectively a play-off, with the Serbs knowing that they need a win to keep their hopes alive.
However, it will be a huge task against the World Cup favourites, although they have yet to hit their stride, with the Samba Boys needing two very late goals to secure progression last time around against Costa Rica. Yet, they will hope to improve performance wise and they have the talent, with Neymar and Coutinho part of a terrific forward line.
Here we will give you Brazil vs Serbia betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a Brazil vs Serbia prediction for the Group F encounter.
Our Brazil vs Serbia Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Serbia
Our Brazil vs Serbia prediction tips is for the Brazilians to secure a much-needed win against the Serbians which will see them progress as group winners.
Brazil haven’t excelled at Russia, drawing their first game against Switzerland and leaving it late last time out. That has left them in a potentially nervy situation where they could go out. Yet, whilst they will be wary of a dangerous Serbian side, the high pressure could bring the best out of Brazil who will hope to improve as the tournament goes on.
Serbia have played well in both their games but a late defeat to Switzerland, in a real end-to-end encounter, has left them in a very difficult position. Their ability to take the game to the opposition is questionable and the fact they have to win means Brazil can sit back and counter if they want.
Our recommended tip – Brazil -1
This could be a tough game for Brazil but they have the quality in their side to comfortably dispatch Serbia and we think they will announce themselves in style with a convincing win.
Tite’s men went into the tournament in great form, impressing with their solid defence and structure, whilst they had the flair and creativity up top to open up any defence. Even though they’ve looked good defensively, that attacking magic has been missing, with Neymar particularly disappointing. However, his talented is undoubted and he will still be pivotal in the coming weeks.
Previous matches
The clash in Moscow will be just the second game between the sides, with Brazil winning the friendly that the sides played four years ago.
AS for their recent form, as mentioned, Brazil haven’t been great but the only goal they’ve conceded has been a debatable header from a corner. They’ve got a solid base and with the talent they have on the pitch you think it will only be a matter of time before they click. They impressed hugely in qualifying and with this essentially a play-off game, they will expect to deliver.
For Serbia, they were very assured against Costa Rica in their opener when they won but a disastrous second half against the Swiss has left them in a real tough position. The way they were opened up on the break with Xherdan Shaqiri’s pace will be alarming ahead of the Brazil fixture. They have a good XI and some recognicable names but it’s a big ask to beat the favourites.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Neymar & Aleksandr Mitrovic
The PSG star was expected to light up the tournament but it hasn’t happened for him so far, with his petulant displays infuriating some fans. We have seen flashes of his brilliance and he is off the mark but there’s no doubt he needs to do more. The Serbia game is a huge one for his country and as a key figure he will be expected to stand up and make an impact.
For the European side, the main attacking threat will be Newcastle’s Mitrovic. His aerial prowess is well-known and he bullied the Swiss at times. It’s all about the service for the target man but if they provide he can beat most in the air. Chances may be few and far between, so he will have to be clinical in Moscow, which isn’t always the case.
