Richarlison lit up the World Cup with a moment of Brazilian magic as the tournament favourites overcame Serbia’s stubborn resistance to open their campaign with an impressive victory. Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbia rearguard but forced the breakthrough after 62 minutes.
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Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana. The 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot but Ghana hit back through Andre Ayew. Quick-fire goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao ultimately proved decisive.
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Uruguay defender Diego Godin and midfielder Federico Valverde both hit the woodwork as the South Americans were held to a 0-0 draw by South Korea in their opening World Cup Group H game. Hwang Ui-jo who came closest to breaking the deadlock, but he scooped his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
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Switzerland’s Breel Embolo scored the only goal against Cameroon – the country of his birth – in a hard-fought World Cup Group G opener. Embolo refused to celebrate when he finished off a slick Swiss attack shortly after half-time. The Indomitable Lions were unfortunate to lose after an enterprising display at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
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Belgium laboured to victory in their opening World Cup game as they were pushed all the way by an outstanding effort from Canada. Canada dominated large portions of this Group F game but were wasteful in front of goal, particularly when Alphonso Davies saw a first-half penalty saved by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois.
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