Richarlison the inspiration as Brazil waltz past Serbia in their World Cup opener
Brazil danced off the bus and then did the two-step past Serbia.
Richarlison got the goals, the first opportune, the second outrageous. The slick South Americans, five-time champions, record unrivalled, were off on their quest for a sixth crown.
If other supposed favourites fell short in their World Cup opener, Brazil found a way.
Serbia were at first rigid and resolute at an expectant Lusail Stadium on Thursday night, but there would be no repeat.
Where Argentina and Germany came a cropper, their chief rivals for the title eventually cruised.
World Cup day 5: It's a wrap
So victory for the boys from Brazil against Serbia, following Group G rivals Switzerland beating Cameroon 1-0.
In Group H, Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Portugal beat Ghana 3-2, while Uruguay and South Korea ground out a 0-0 stalemate.
We have now seen all 32 teams in the competition, with the first round of fixtures complete. Friday sees the start of the second round of games: Can England build on their demolition of Iran when they take on the USA? Can Gareth Bale inspire Wales again against Iran?
Also in action are hosts Qatar, who will be hoping to get off the mark against Senegal, and the Netherlands take on Ecuador.
Join us tomorrow, when Wales v Iran kicks off the action.
Friday fixtures
Wales v Iran (1pm, Qatar time)
Qatar v Senegal (4pm)
Netherlands v Ecuador (7pm)
England v USA (10pm)
Full-time: Brazil 2-0 Serbia
Brazil's quality won through. A much better second-half showing.
The favourites were not at their best, but had enough to break down a stubborn Serbia. Victory in the opener is vital, and the Brazilians will be happy with that.
Richarlison will be thrilled with his double. Next up Switzerland on Monday for the boys in yellow.
Richarlison scores a spectacular second for Brazil
Substitution
79 mins: Two-goal Brazilian hero Richarlison comes off for Gabriel Jesus, and Neymar is replaced by Antony.
Minutes earlier, Fred and Rodrygo replaced Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior.
GOAL! Brazil 2-0 Serbia
74 mins: A special overhead kick from Richarlison. Takes one touch to control a Vinicius Junior cross, and an acrobatic finish does the rest. Outstanding goal.
Richarlison fires Brazil in front
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Serbia
Chance!
55 mins: Vinicius Junior is getting more of the ball on the left, and looking dangerous. He crosses, but Neymar fires wide while falling backwards.
Yellow card
47 mins: Neymar is hacked down just outside the area by Gudelj, who goes into the book.
Kick-off
Serbia get the second-half under way. No changes in the line-ups.
Half-time: Brazil 0-0 Serbia
It's goalless and there's no doubt Serbia's will be the happier dressing room. Chances have been few and far between, and Brazil are failing to fire so far. Long way to go, but Neymar trudges off looking frustrated.
It is the eighth of the 16 games played at the tournament to go into the break at this scoreline.