Neymar and Dani Alves’ Brazil closed out the preparatory stage ahead of the World Cup with a victory against Serbia. A goal from Fred on 57 minutes decided the match in Sao Paulo. Neymar and Alves came off on 81 and 71 minutes respectively, and they were very active during their time on the pitch.
Neymar took the game straight to Serbia, a team that didn’t qualify for the World Cup but took the match very seriously nonetheless. The Brazilian was the most active striker in the first half, and he was only denied a goal thanks to Ivanovic’s quick thinking on 12 minutes.
Alves, on the other hand, played on the right flank for 71 minutes – he was subbed off for Maicon – and he comfortably controlled his side of the pitch. He went forward and he didn’t think twice about striking the ball from distance. Unlike the last match with Brazil, he was unable to find the back of the net.
The goalscorer was Fred. On 57 minutes, the forward controlled the ball beautifully and perfectly finished off the play for the definitive goal. Hulk had scored but it was called back due to an offside call and Serbia’s Jojic hit the woodwork.
