Serbia vs Brazil, World Cup 2018: Should Brazil consider swapping goalless Gabriel Jesus with Roberto Firmino? Scouting report

After failing to score in Brazil’s first two group games, the calls for Tite to drop Gabriel Jesus got louder. Roberto Firmino came on as a late substitute in both matches against Switzerland and Costa Rica, but was once again overlooked as Jesus was given another chance against Serbia.

“That’s normal that two players with chances of playing in the national team face comparisons,” Jesus said ahead of Brazil’s final Group E match. “It’s Tite’s decision on who is better at the moment to get on the pitch. But Firmino has all conditions to be among the first 11 as well as I have. He can be the main forward player. I hope that, no matter if he plays or if I play, we can play well.”

Serbia are a very physical side which leaves them exposed to pace and quick feet, this could have been the perfect game for Jesus to get his much anticipated World Cup goals tally up and running.

Jesus had a big hand in Brazil’s opening goal without even touching the ball. He was being tightly marked by Milos Veljkovic in the centre of the pitch, he drifted to the left which created a gap that Aleksandar Kolarov failed to recognise as Paulinho capitalised on by running through on goal and scoring.

Jesus had a handful of chances to score himself but proved wasteful. It took him four minute to make his first run in behind the defence and have a shot saved one-on-one, only for the offside flag to spare his blushes. He then made a similar run, and this time stayed onside. He collected the ball on the left flank with one defender for company, ran him into the box. Checked onto his right foot. The goal was opening up. This was his chance. He waits. And waits… Blocked. Serbia got players back and danger was averted.

While his finished left a fair amount to be desired, his close control on the ball was at times mesmerising. The way he quickly shifted his weight from each side of his body had the Serbian defenders chasing shadows as he weaved his way through their challenges.

On one particularly adventurous run he almost gave Neymar an open goal to score into after dazzling skill, but the PSG forward had his shot saved.

So what of his performances in the group stage? He certainly showed he can stretch sides, which could prove increasingly useful as Brazil meet better and more attacking sides as they venture deeper in the tournament. However, it was another evening ended without a goal to his name.

Firmino might be a good option to potentially get the best out of Neymar in a similar way that he helps Mohamed Salah play so well at Liverpool. Given Tite’s affection towards Jesus, it is very unlikely that the Manchester City striker will be replaced, and given what he is beginning to show he can bring to the side without scoring, it stands to be the correct decision.