Brazil still haven't sealed their progression to the round of 16 and face a Serbian team in Moscow capable of an upset.
Like many of the other strong teams in the tournament, the famous green and yellow have failed to impress in Russia - drawing 1-1 with Switzerland before defeating Costa Rica 2-0 with two injury time goals.
If they lose to Serbia and the Swiss draw or win against Costa Rica, it will be an early exit for the Brazilians.
Philippe Coutinho has been their star player so far, scoring the opening goal against Switzerland and the go-ahead strike against Costa Rica - making it three goals in three Brazil appearances for the Barcelona attacker.
Neymar has looked dangerous but has been tightly marked by opponents so far in the tournament. He has been directly involved in 18 goals in Brazil’s last 17 matches and still has another gear to go to in Russia.
The Serbians aren’t to be taken lightly and will be led up top with Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic - who has scored 18 goals for club and country in 2018.
There is quality players spread throughout the starting line-up including Lazio talent Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and former Premier League stars Branislav Ivanovic and Aleksandar Kolarov.
As an independent nation split from Yugoslavia, Serbia have lost all six World Cup matches they have conceded a goal in but have won the two they have kept a clean sheet in.
They have faced Brazil 19 times (including as Yugoslavia) in all competitions, only winning twice, drawing seven and losing 10.
Moreover, Brazil’s inability to keep their emotions in check contributed to their spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, so the worry is that once again the pressure might prove too much for the ‘Selecao’ in Russia.
The enduring image of the 2-0 win over Costa Rica that kick-started their campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar’s tears at full-time, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory.
The world’s most expensive player is carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders, and only recently returned from three months out after a foot operation.
However, seeing Neymar cry also brought back memories of Brazil’s unravelling as hosts four years ago.
Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who memorably broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shoot-out win over Chile.
At the time, some sections of the media labelled the team cry-babies, and 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto accused them of not being mentally tough enough. Meanwhile, coach
Luiz Felipe Scolari brought in a sports psychologist to help the squad deal with the pressure.
That campaign, of course, ended with their 7-1 capitulation against Germany in the semi-finals, and in Russia it is vital current coach Tite keeps a lid on emotions as Brazil seek to atone for the disaster of 2014.
Their performance in qualifying ensured that they came to Russia among the favourites, but they have not yet completely convinced and are still not certain of reaching the knockout phase going into today’s game against Serbia.
Source: Goal.com