(Football news) Brazil are regarded by many as the favourites to go all the way at the 2022 World Cup as five-time world champions kick off their Group G campaign against Serbia at the Lusail Stadium. The two nations will again lock horns in the group stage as the Selecao came out on top with a 2-0 victory. Brazil arrived in Qatar as the only nation in World Cup history to have qualified for every tournament since the first edition in 1930 following a record-breaking CONMEBOL qualification campaign, collecting 45 points which more than ever before after winning 14 and drawing just three matches out of their 17 matches.

The Selecao rarely struggled during qualifying stages and they are subsequently unbeaten in their last 15 World Cup group fixtures since losing 2-1 to Norway way back in 1998. However, 20 years have passed since Brazil got their hands on their fifth World Cup in Seoul. Tite's talented squad will enter the World Cup as the number one ranked team in the world. Serbia will be the first nation to put Brazil's credentials to the test as they boast a 15-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They have won each of their last seven games by an aggregate score of 26-2. Brazil have won both of their previous two matches against Serbia without conceding, 

Serbia after crashing out in the group stage at their previous three World Cup finals since gaining independence in 1990 as there is a sense of optimism that Serbia this year can finally reach the knockout stages for the first time in Qatar. The Serbian Eagles are ranked 25th in the world by FIFA. They impressed everyone in the Nations League by qualifying when they topped their group after winning six games and drawing two of their eight matches, including a 2-1 win over Portugal in their final fixture.

Dragan Stojkovic's side secured promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League this year, courtesy of their four wins and a draw from six matches. They have suffered one of only two losses in the last 16 matches as form on European soil has been impressive, but transferring that onto the global stage is the task that Stojkovic will need to face. Serbia have lost seven of their nine World Cup matches in total which is the most defeats by an European nation and just one less than Australia's unwanted record of eight, as the Serbian fans would want a resilient performance if they wish to claim at least a draw on Thursday.

Brazil possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

Serbia possible starting lineup:

V. Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S. Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic

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