- What: Brazil vs. Serbia -- 2022 FIFA World Cup, Group G
- When: Thursday, November 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Lusail Stadium in Qatar
The 2022 FIFA World Cup favorites will get their tournament started on Thursday with a matchup against Serbia. Brazil will look to live up to the hype and get off to a strong start in Group G, which also consists of Cameroon and Switzerland, in addition to Serbia. These two teams were actually in the same group during the 2018 World Cup, too, with Brazil winning their group-stage matchup 2-0 four years ago.
These are two different versions of those teams, however, and the game could play out a bit differently in 2022. Before we get into the action, make sure to check out our FIFA World Cup betting guide in order to get all the information you need ahead of the return of soccer's biggest competition. Additionally, check out our soccer betting guide for any additional tips and info you need.
Brazil vs. Serbia Odds
Heading into the matchup, Brazil (-230) is heavily favored over Serbia (+650). Even a draw is considered a longshot, coming in at (+340) odds for a tie. The spread also indicates that Brazil is expected to have a firm grasp on the game. With a spread of -1.5 in favor of Brazil, the Serbians are not expected to stand much of a chance. As for the goal total, the line is set at 2.5 goals, indicating we could see some strong offensive play.
Brazil Best Bets
There's a good reason that Brazil is such a heavy favorite heading into the matchup against Serbia. This team is loaded from top to bottom, though particularly in the attacking third. With superstars such as Neymar (PSG), Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), and Richarlison (Tottenham) among others in the attack, there may not be another team on the planet with as much quality in front of goal.
It's because of this that I'm expecting Brazil to put on a dominant display and get off to a strong start in Qatar. Brazil has scored at least three goals in four of its last five games, all of which have been outright victories. That's a trend I anticipate will continue in Qatar, even though defenses will be actively seeking to prevent Brazil from getting comfortable in the attacking third.
The first bet I'm targeting for Brazil is the Team Total of Over 2.5 Goals (+170). Brazil has hit this mark in six of its last seven games, and at plus odds, this could provide excellent value.
That's not the only Brazil trend I'm looking at for their first match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. During Brazil's recent strong run of form, the team has been firing from the start to finish. They've scored in the first half in all but one game in their previous seven contests, and have gone into halftime with the lead in all six of those instances.
Brazil is a team that loves to let its stars express themselves and set the tone with some early offense. With so much talent in the attack, we're expecting that same flair to be present during the group stages, and particularly against Serbia. Brazil will be keen to prove they're rightful favorites for the World Cup, and that could result in their attackers playing with a chip on their shoulders from the opening whistle. Because of that, I'm also looking at Brazil Half Time/Full Time Money Line at EVEN (+100) odds.
Best Serbia Bets
This matchup figures to be a difficult one for Serbia, undoubtedly. Despite that, Brazil's defense is its biggest weakness, and something Serbia could look to exploit via the counterattack. Serbia has a solid group of attacking options in the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, including the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Luka Jovic, and Duhan Vlahovic. With so much talent on attack, Serbia could manage to get on the board against Brazil, even if they're unlikely to keep a clean sheet themselves.
Serbia has scored at least one goal in each of its last five games, and seven of its last nine. While they weren't up against teams quite as formidable as the 2022 Brazil squad, they still played quality opponents and managed to get some goals on the board. In fact, Serbia has at least two goals in four of its last five games, scoring a total of 13 goals during that span, and winning four of five.
Because Serbia a clinical team in the attacking third, I'm expecting them to make the most of their chances in front of goal, though they may be few and far between. Getting one goal against Brazil doesn't seem like an unreasonable task. While Serbia has been held goalless in each of their previous two meetings historically, four and eight years ago respectively, this team is stronger in attack than it was in years past, so we're going to sprinkle on Serbia Over 0.5 Total Goals at (-118) odds.
Before diving into the 2022 FIFA World Cup betting action, make sure to check out our top sportsbook reviews.
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