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SPORTS Thursday 28 June 2018

Brazil advances to round of 16 at World Cup, tops Serbia 2-0

By FRANK GRIFFITHS bia coach Mladen Krstajic
MOSCOW (AP) — Worried said. "We had chances to
no more, Brazil is through at equalize, but we missed
the World Cup. our chances and we were
Paulinho and Thiago Sil- punished."
va scored a goal each For most of the first half, Bra-
Wednesday to give the zil couldn't break through
five-time champions a 2-0 Serbia's compact back
victory over Serbia and first line. But Paulinho, the play-
place in their group. er that Tite calls his "secret
Brazil struggled in its open- weapon," lived up to his
ing two matches, first held name by scoring the first
to a 1-1 draw and then goal at Spartak Stadium.
needing late goals to win Four years ago, Paulinho
the other. But they con- was part of the Brazil team
trolled this one, and it was that was humiliated at
a big relief to Tite. home in a 7-1 drubbing
"I'm apparently at peace," by Germany in the semifi-
the Brazil coach said. "I'm nals. He said he's learned
still going to have a drink so much since then, leav-
tonight for sure, a caipir- ing Tottenham for a spell in
inha. I'll allow myself." China before joining Barce-
Paulinho gave his team the lona.
lead when he met a lofted "A lot has changed in my Brazil's Paulinho scores his side's opening goal during the group E match between Serbia and
ball from Philippe Coutinho life and my career," he Brazil, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June
27, 2018.
in the 36th minute. The de- said. "I have to be aware Associated Press
fensive midfielder let the of the evolution I have un-
ball bounce in front of him dergone in these last four their own half to slow down Mitrovic's shot had gone to clear it away. He then
near the penalty spot and years. My leaving England play. behind Alisson and was jumped above Serbia's de-
kicked his right leg in the air for China was good for me, Brazil did what it had to do heading toward goal, fense from a corner for Bra-
to tap it over the goalkeep- did me well. ... I recovered to win, making sure it wasn't but Silva got there in time zil's second goal.q
er's fingertips. my self-confidence. I am the second big team to exit
Silva later scored with a here because I worked and the tournament after 2014
powerful header in the 68th I deserve it. In four years, I champion Germany was
from Neymar's corner. really developed a lot." knocked out by South Ko-
Brazil finished first in Group Brazil had an early setback rea.
E and will next face Mexico when left back Marcelo GROUP DYNAMICS
in the round of 16 on Mon- was substituted in the 10th Brazil needed only a draw
day in Samara. Serbia was minute, limping off the field. to advance, while Serbia
eliminated, finishing third in Filipe Luis, who is playing at needed to stop Neymar
the group behind Switzer- his first World Cup after fail- and go for the win. The
land. ing to be selected in 2010 victory was good for first
Both of Brazil's goals came and 2014, was brought on place.
when Serbia threatened to to replace him. "Not just now, even before
get back into the match. The Brazilian soccer con- the World Cup, Brazil was
The Serbs nearly scored in federation later said Mar- one of the favorites to win,"
the 61st when Brazil goal- celo only had a back Krstajic said.
keeper Alisson pushed the spasm and was fine. Switzerland also advanced
ball into the path of forward This was a more assured after a 2-2 draw with Cos-
Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose performance from Brazil ta Rica and will next face
shot bounced off the keep- compared to its first two Sweden on Tuesday in St.
er and was bound for goal group matches. There was Petersburg.
before being cleared by patient buildup play and KEY TO SUCCESS
Silva. the Brazilians sometimes Silva popped up just at the
"In the second half we tried rested in possession, ex- right time for Brazil, and not
to play with more risk," Ser- changing short passes in only in defense.