Richarlison lit up the World Cup with a moment of Brazilian magic as the tournament favorites overcame Serbia's stubborn resistance to open their campaign.
Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbia rearguard but forced the breakthrough after 62 minutes when Richarlison converted a close-range finish.
Richarlison's crowning moment came 11 minutes later, at first he mis-controlling a pass from Vinicius but then he acrobatically took the aerial route and scored.
It was no more than Brazil, supported by the massed ranks of their yellow-clad fans, deserved as they dominated throughout, with Alex and Casemiro hitting the woodwork.
Brazil's performance made ominous viewing for their rivals, as did the sight of Gabriel Jesus, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench in a powerful show of squad strength.
The weight of expectation that accompanies the five-time world champion always accompanies Brazil, but if it was a burden, they did not carry it here.
Brazil looked right at home when it came to the scenes of players dancing on the team bus and their performance in the stadium.
Brazil were happy to keep probing in the face of outstanding Serbian defense, but once they went through the gears after half-time they were irresistible.
When Richarlison scored the first goal, Serbia were already in trouble and the game was over when he scored the second.
Brazil could have added more as they tore holes in Serbia's tiring defence as the game wore on but this was a great night for coach Tite.
Vinicius was impressive, even though he was quiet, and Casemiro was unstoppable, even though he was quiet.
It wasn't an easy game for Brazil against the side ranked 21st in the world, but they were comfortable and deserved to win.
Serbia's gameplan was to frustrate and steal something on the counter, as demonstrated by their players receiving high fives from the coaching staff at half-time.
They can take a lot from their performance even though the ploy was unsuccessful.
Serbia have shown how difficult it will be to break down in their remaining games against Switzerland and Cameroon as they are still in with a chance of making it to the next stage.
Dusan Tadic was unable to exert any influence and they could not get any worthwhile service to main strikers.
Serbia are well-drilled and uncompromising and have the ability to advance if they can add in a degree of service to the other side.
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