Brazil grab top spot in Group E with 2-0 win over Serbia

Xinhua | Updated: 2018-06-28 08:06
Share
Share - WeChat
Brazil's Miranda in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Brazil and Serbia in Moscow, Russia, June 27, 2018. Brazil won 2-0 and advanced to the round of 16. [Photo/Agencies]

Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic admitted his side were outclassed but bemoaned wasted opportunities.

"You have to be alive for 90 minutes or else you'll be punished," he said. "It's difficult to play such an open game against a powerhouse of football like Brazil. We need to up our game, elevate the quality to a higher level, improve what is good and eliminate the weaknesses."

Brazil began the game full of energy and nearly went ahead in the fourth minute. Philippe Coutinho laid the ball off to Neymar who split Serbia's defence with a one-touch through ball to Gabriel Jesus. The Manchester City forward's shot was saved but the rebound fell to Coutinho and the midfielder crossed to the onrushing Neymar, who sent his first-time effort just wide.

Marcelo was replaced by Filipe Luis in the 10th minute but the change did little to halt Brazil's early momentum as Coutinho, Jesus and Neymar caused problems for Serbia's defence, particularly on the left side.

|<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next   >>|
Top
BACK TO THE TOP
English
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

Registration Number: 130349
FOLLOW US