Serbia player ratings as Man United star Nemanja Matic is bright spot in defeat to Brazil

Chris Bailey 00:21 28/06/2018
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  • This was the least eventful night for Brazil in Russia so far and that was certainly no bad thing for Neymar and Co, after World Cup holders Germany were sent packing earlier in the evening.

    There was the customary Philippe Coutinho magic but also a very efficient performance by the back-line and prowling guard Casemiro.

    Serbia showed class in fits and spurts and that was not enough as Switzerland finished in second place at their expense.

    Check out our Serbia ratings below:

    SERBIA (4-2-3-1)

    Vladimir Stojkovic – There was a general air of panic when Brazil fired balls into the box and Stojkovic could have taken more control. 5

    Antonio Rukavina – Surprise selection ahead of Ivanovic at right-back and did himself justice. Hardly shackled his flank but can hold head high. 6

    Nikola Milenkovic – Fatally beaten to the ball by Silva for Brazil’s second. A black mark against a resilient performance in face of many attacks. 7

    Milos Veljkovic – Could barely get near a canary yellow shirt all game, as evidenced by posting just one tackle and one interception on the stat sheet. 5

    Aleksandar Kolarov – Was beaten by Willian on the by-line numerous times, luckily the Chelsea forward’s delivery was erratic. 5

    Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Much-hyped, but Lazio man didn’t pass his test against the best with flying colours. Better in second half. 6

    Nemanja Matic – Slow to the boil then started to flummox Brazil with ice-cool passing before Silva killed off the mini-revival. 7

    Dusan Tadic – Luis held him at bay when attacking down the right. A few pretty passes without the usual incisiveness. 6

    Adem Ljajic – Found things clogged in the middle of the attacking third with Casemiro nipping at his heels. 5

    Filip Kostic – A total of 16 passes all game, despite only been taken off in the 81st minute, sums his performance up. 4

    Aleksandar Mitrovic – Combative style swatted away for the most part by Miranda and Silva. Tame header straight into Alisson’s hands. 5

    SUBSTITUTES

    Andrija Zivkovic – Looked better on the ball than Ljajic in the 20 minutes he was on, but nothing came to pass. 6

    Nemanja Radonjic – Roma-owned winger injected a brief burst of energy and looks to have a promising future. 6

    Luka Jovic – Game was long done and dusted before he came on to the pitch. N/A

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