THEY weren’t at their Brazilliant best, but even a somewhat off-form Brazil proved too hot for Serbia to handle as they barely engaged third gear to notch up a 2-0 win.

Given the amount of possession and utter superiority – close to 30 shots at goal – the score line doesn’t begin to tell the story of the one-way traffic.

Neymar and Vinicius Junior were the culprits in chief as they failed to finish off the many superb moves that were set up in the industrious midfield.

For a long time, the Serbs held on but the perpetual chasing of shadows was bound to tire them and as the game wore on, the Serbs had increasingly little to offer by way of resistance.

They didn’t quite raise the white flag but they were reduced to merely trying to keep the score down.

Richarlison was the hero of the night, scoring a brace for Brazil – the second of which might already go down as the goal of the tournament.

With his back to goal, he received the ball, flicked it into the air and swivelled parallel with the ground to execute a powerful smash that reduced Milinkovic-Savicto a spectator.

Unfortunately, he was subbed before he could get his hat trick.

Casemiro should have got a third for Brazil but his rasping left-footed shot from distance rattled the bar instead of giving him his just reward.

The samba boys have made a statement of intent, showing just why they were labelled pre-tournament favourites.

They should win Group G with ease, and could go all the way.