Serbia had a fantastic start to the football carnival in Russia while beating Costa Rica 1-0. Thanks to Aleksandar Kolarov’s free-kick on matchday one against Rica. That result appeared to be underlined with another strong performance against Switzerland on matchday two until Xherdan Shaqiri scored the winning goal for Switzerland.
To add more to the woes, Serbia also faces an investigation against head coach Mladen Krstajić. Krstajić heavily criticised referee Felix Brych following Serbia’s defeat against the Nati.
“I would send him to Den Haag. They should put him on trial as they put us on trial”, Krstajić said after the match drawing parallels to the Balkan wars and the court cases against Serbian war criminals.
FIFA have now started an investigation, and it is possible that Krstajić could be banned for the final group stage match against Brazil. That ban could be equal to the end of the World Cup, for the Serbian head coach.
“I know we have the quality as a team. We have to be concentrated and try to make the impossible possible [against Brazil],” Krstajić added.
That mission impossible might be more possible than many observers would have had suggested. Much like other favourites, Brazil struggled at the World Cup.
Moreover, against Costa Rica the Seleção were dominant but at the same time lacked the creativity at times – to unscrew a tight Los Ticos defence.
Furthermore, Brazil appeared to be vulnerable when they get hit back on the counter-attack. Both on the right and the left, Fagner and Marcelo left acres of space in which Costa Rica could cut into, and a better-attacking side would have likely punished Brazil that evening in St. Petersburg.
It is the sort of space which could be exploited by a side like Serbia. Despite the defeat to Switzerland the Orlovi are a talented side.
Furthermore, the. likes of left-back Aleksandar Kolarov, and wingers Dusan Tadić, as well as Filip Kostić, have the speed to get past a high sitting Brazil defence.
Finally, with Aleksandar Mitrović Serbia have a forward, who will not waste any of his chances. Hence, Brazil team is beatable, and Serbia may have just enough to upset the apple-cart and collect the three points that the Orlovi need to advance from Group E.
Serbia vs Brazil – Match Stats:
- Serbia, as part of Yugoslavia, have faced Brazil on four previous occasions at a World Cup. The record is even with both teams winning one match and drawing twice.
- Yugoslavia’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in 1930 was also the first ever World Cup match for either side.
- Altogether, Serbia, or Yugoslavia, have only won two of 19 matches against Brazil (D7 L10).
Futbolgrad Network Prediction: Serbia vs Brazil – 1-0
Serbia vs Brazil – Lineups
Serbia:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Stojković – Ivanović, Milenković, Tosić, Kolarov – Matić, Milivojević – Tadić, Milinković-Savić, Kostić – Mitrović
Head Coach: Mladen Krstajić
Brazil:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Alisson – Marcelo, Miranda, Thiago Silva, Fagner – Coutinho, Casemiro, Paulinho – Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Willian