In a Group G group stage opener for both sides, Brazil and Serbia meet Thursday at Lusail Iconic Stadium at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Brazil vs. Serbia odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Brazil rolled up 40 goals during CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying across 17 games, or 2.35 goals per game. In addition, Brazil pounded Tunisia 5-1 in a friendly on Sept. 27 after it whipped Ghana 3-0 in another friendly against a World Cup team on Sept. 23.
In a friendly on Nov. 18, Serbia won 5-1 against Bahrain, a fellow Persian state neighbor of Qatar. The Serbs enter on a 5-0-1 run in the last 6 games across all competitions. Serbia conceded just 9 goals in 8 UEFA World Cup qualifiers, including a 2-1 win over Portugal on Nov. 14, 2021.
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Brazil vs. Serbia odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:44 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Brazil -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Serbia +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Draw +350
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)
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Prediction
Brazil 2, Serbia 1
Moneyline (ML)
Brazil (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s a little expensive against a defensive-mind club like Serbia (+550).
It’s unlikely Seleção will suffer the same fate as fellow South American side Argentina in its opening game (a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia), but there isn’t a lot of value betting Canarinho straight up. Instead, look to the total.
PASS.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 2.5 (-130) is a good bet in this Group G opener.
Brazil is a high-octane offense with plenty of star power, from Neymar to Rapinha to Richarlison.
There is a little concern, as Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic is nursing an ankle injury, and expected to miss its opening fixture. If he is able to miraculously play, it would give the Eagles a huge boost, as Mitrovic would pair with Dusan Vlahovic for a nice 1-2 punch.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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