Brazil, home to the Samba, Carnival, meandering Amazon, and equally delicate rainforest, has a manner of life unlike anywhere else on the planet. Mysticism, ardent devotion to Christ the Redeemer, which is always visible from every angle of Rio de Janeiro and its Copacabana Beach, hip-swaying dance music, and the cooling Caipirinha with a dash of cachaça, sugar, and lime are all present.
It’s a seductive life that is constantly propelled by love, beauty, and a little bit of lunacy. Brazilian football, which attracts fans from all over the world thanks to their whirling feet, swerving hips, and a drug-like dependence on the ball (the “Meu Amor”), represents that life as well.
Finally, on Thursday, those who practice this mesmerizing skill will go far from their homes in an effort to command the attention of those who are watching. Brazil will compete against a hard and tough Serbia in the enormous Lusail Stadium, which is already a crumbling monument for neighbor and enduring foe Argentina. Coach Tite has the most exceptional team of this World Cup, with players of remarkable quality competing for every position. Tite has matured since the quarterfinal defeat from four years ago.
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Brazil is prepared to make the first move toward ending its 20-year FIFA World Cup title drought.
Brazil, home to the Samba, Carnival, meandering Amazon, and equally delicate rainforest, has a manner of life unlike anywhere else on the planet. Mysticism, ardent devotion to Christ the Redeemer, which is always visible from every angle of Rio de Janeiro and its Copacabana Beach, hip-swaying dance music, and the cooling Caipirinha with a dash of cachaça, sugar, and lime are all present.
Brazil is not something to be taken lightly, and Dragan Stojkovic is not a fool. After trying out a four-man defense in a facile exhibition victory over Bahrain, he will switch back to a three-man defense. While Neymar will float like a butterfly and all three of them may sting like bees, his wingbacks Andrija Zivkovic and Filip Kostic will have to control their attacking tendencies to deal with the dual threats of Gabriel Jesus and Vinicius Junior.
But Serbia won’t be concerned about losing a lot of possession. The nation’s leading scorer and target man, Aleksander Mitrovic, might be missed by the team that is geared for rapid breaks. After suffering a groin injury, the Fulham striker is still not fully healthy.
Brazil has no such concerns, but it is wary of the quicksand that has already engulfed a number of prestigious teams. Brazil is hoping that its enthusiasm and panache will enable it to overcome its 20-year title drought.
