Brazil meet Serbia in a history-packed skirmish that promises nothing but fireworks

Do you know which was the second World Cup match ever played (1930)?

Or, for instance, which two teams confronted each other in Pele's testimonial game (1971)?

Or who did FR Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) face in their first friendly after the UN sports sanctions were lifted during the dreadful civil war (1994)?

Or who Brazil had to top in the ultimate group-stage match to reach the Round of 16 in Russia (2018)?

Yes, you are right - the almost century-long history of international football has seen many larger-than-life clashes between Brazil and Serbia (and its previous reincarnations, aka Yugoslavia).

And those two sides share another charming anecdote from the 1950 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil. The Selecao were about to face Yugoslavia, and the visitors' star, Rajko Mitic, accidentally hit his head while coming from the locker rooms. Since then, no substitutions were allowed, and Mitic was bleeding heavily, they started the game with 10 men. Wounded Mitic returned to the pitch after some 15 minutes, with his side already trailing 1-0, but due to concussion, he was not aware of it!

So, no wonder he was intrigued by why his teammates were so nervous upon going to the break.

"C'mon guys, we're still in the game, it's 0-0", Mitic said before finding out they were actually behind. And, eventually, Brazil won 2-0.

Group G - Brazil's attacking fireworks, never-better Serbia seek revenge against the Xhaka's gang, and Cameroon hoping for the first WC win in 20 years

The majority of punters will probably think that will be the outcome of tonight's clash of the same rivals. The Selecao are packed with mesmerizing forwards such as Neymar, Richarlison and Vinicius Jr, just to mention a few.

However, they should take into account that it's Serbia those gems are facing. The Eagles are solid in defence and more than creative in the attack, counting on the versatility of the likes of Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic Savic, Ajax's captain Dusan Tadic and Juventus' target man Dusan Vlahovic. Moreover, Fulham's striker Aleksandar Mitrovic ('Mitro's on fire') is waiting for his chance in the second half if things go wrong. Therefore, it's pretty probable this history-packed skirmish will provide us with lots of goals on both ends.

Germany and Argentina had already surrendered to underdogs (Japan and Saudi Arabia). Brazil, maybe it's your turn...

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

Thursday, Nov 24th

16:00: (1.80) Uruguay (3.40) S.Korea (4.90) H

19:00: (1.43) Portugal (4.20) Ghana (8.50) H

22:00: (1.48) Brazil (4.20) Serbia (7.25) G

***odds are subject to change***