Serbia vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 27 June 2018

Serbia and Brazil meet in the last round of games in Group E of the 2018 World Cup with both teams needing a result to guarantee qualification to the last 16. Brazil top the group after two games on 4 points, with Serbia on 3 points in third position.

Serbia Probable Lineups and Stats

Serbia go into the game knowing if they beat Brazil they will qualify for the next stage of the tournament. Serbia’s only change for the match against Switzerland was to replace Lajic, but after coming on as a substitute he could well start again. Therefore the likely line-up for Serbia would be: Stojkovic – Ivanovic, Milenkovic, Tosic, Kolarov – Tadic, Matic, Milivojevic, Lajic – Mitrovic

Serbia’s chances of progressing will rely on supporting lone striker Mitrovic. With just two goals scored from their first two games and only 42% possession against Switzerland, Serbia know they will be without the ball for long periods against Brazil. When in possession so far pass accuracy has been mid 80%, though without it discipline has been mixed, collecting 6 yellow cards.

Having won their group opener Serbia will have been bitterly disappointed to throw away a one-goal lead in losing to a late Swiss winner. Although having 13 shots against Switzerland, just 3 were on target, a ratio they will need to improve against Brazil.

Brazil Probable Lineups and Stats

A Brazil win will likely see them finish as group winners. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino has been impressive from the bench and may get his chance against Serbia in the following line-up: Alisson – Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo – Willian, Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho. Neymar – Firmino.

For all the mixed press Neymar has received he remains the pivotal player for Brazil, although Coutinho runs him close having scored two of Brazil’s 3 goals. Brazil dominated possession against Costa Rica with 62% of the play and a pass accuracy of 90%. Brazil completed 732 passes to Costa Rica’s 271, although possession was evenly shared against Switzerland. Brazil have fired off an impressive 43 shots in the two matches played, with 15 on target.

Discipline has been decent for Brazil with just 3 yellow cards, one being given to Neymar for dissent against Costa Rica. They will need to retain this discipline in what should be a highly competitive game against Serbia who will look to break up Brazil’s passing game.

Serbia v Brazil – Head to Head

There is no World Cup history to reference between these two nations. Serbia’s only previous World Cup was in 2010 when they finished bottom of a group won by Germany managing one win and two defeats, the victory against the Germans. Brazil have a pedigree in the competition which is second to none. Five-time past winners have graced the tournament with many great players including the legendary Pele. 

Expert Tip

Brazil has kept a clean sheet in nine of the previous 12 encounters in FIFA World Cup and is undefeated in the previous 19 games in this tournament. Also, there have been Under 2.5 goals scored in five of Brazil’s last six matches in FIFA World Cup.

In this 3rd round, Brazil will face a rival who is comparatively more prepared from Costa Rica and also has the equal number of points in the standings. Brazil is the favourite in this game and we fully agree with the decision of the bookmakers, so we will tip for Brazil to beat the Serbian team but it will not be a very convincing victory as happened in the game between Poland and Colombia. Our Correct Score for this amazing contest is 0:2.

Interesting Facts and Information

  • Brazil haven’t lost in their last 13 games.
  • Serbia wins 1st half in 33% of their games, Brazil in 41% of their games.
  • Brazil’s recent performance is better than Serbia’s.
  • The winner of their last meeting was Brazil.
  • On their last meeting Brazil won by 1 goals.
  • Serbia scores 2 goals when playing at home and Brazil scores 1.57 goals when playing away (on average).
  • When Serbia leads 1-0 at home, they win in 80% of their games.
  • When Brazil leads 0-1 away, they win in 80% of their games.
  • When Serbia is down 0-1 home, they win 0% of their games.
  • Brazil have scored at least one goal for 6 consecutive games.

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