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Brazil vs. Serbia World Cup preview: Red Flags in a Sea of Yellow, Green, and Blue

By Camila Servello

A supporter of Brazil shoots a ball in Doha on November 24, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
A supporter of Brazil shoots a ball in Doha on November 24, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images) /
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As Brazil prepares to face Serbia in their first group match for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an uneasy feeling looms over their fans.

This year’s tournament has already seen two massively stunning upsets with Argentina losing to Saudi Arabia and Germany losing to Japan. With two of the usual favorites not meeting fans’ expectations, this Thursday’s match will leave Brazil fans sitting on the edge of their seats.

Out of the 26 players selected for the national team, only 3 play in Brazilian soccer teams. The rest play in esteemed European teams such as PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester United. This makes for a lack of connection between the players and the Brazilian population who, while they may follow those teams, do not root for them as passionately as they would for, say, Palmeiras or Flamengo. As a Brazilian myself, one of my favorite memories is sitting with my dad during the 1998 FIFA World Cup and knowing who was on my nation’s team from local games: Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dunga, Taffarel, Ronaldo, Edmundo, Dida, just to recall a few. Now, the team lacks this charismatic link with the population.

The current team’s attitude is another sore spot within the current Brazilian squad. In interviews nearing the tournament, they’ve been called snobs and arrogant. During a news conference , forward player Raphinha stated the team has already choreographed 10 celebration dances for their goals. Not to mention the overwhelming annoyance at Neymar’s behavior and antics, from both fellow players and fans, especially for constantly and dramatically falling to the ground during over nothing during matches.

However, the current team is a solid team, and it brings with it a message: Neymar isn’t the only top player in the team. Strong and experienced players Rodrygo, Martinelly, Antony, Vinicius (Vini) Jr. and Raphinha share the load with Neymar and are just as much as a threat. This has had a positive effect on Neymar, as reported by those close to him. Brazilian website UOL has even mentioned how he’s become a mentor for young boys back in Brazil.

This year’s Brazilian squad is good, and they are determined to win a sixth World Cup win for Brazil. It’s been 20 years since Brazil beat Germany at Yokohama Stadium in the 2002 tournament. They’re committed to see it through and remind the world that Brazil holds the most World Cup wins for a reason – they’re indeed a soccer powerhouse.

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