Watch: Manchester United’s Antony ‘ends Serbia defender career’ with filthy nutmeg
Antony only got a 10-minute cameo in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Serbia, but he made the most of his opportunity to shine on the grandest platform.
The Manchester United winger was relegated to the bench as Brazil manager Tite elected to start Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Raphinha, and Richarlison up front.
Richarlison was the undeniable hero of the show, scoring both of the Selecao’s goals in a 2-0 triumph, with his acrobatic second goal being a strong candidate for goal of the tournament.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior assisted on both goals, which will certainly cement his spot in Tite’s starting lineup. However, Antony could perhaps battle former Leeds and current Barcelona star Raphinha for a position on the right side of the attack.
Antony, who signed at Old Trafford from Ajax for a whopping £86 million in the summer, replaced Brazil’s great player Neymar in the 80th minute. It must have been an incredibly proud occasion for the Red Devils winger, who cried upon receiving his first World Cup invitation.
The 22-year-old didn’t get a chance to execute his signature spinning move, but he did manage a nutmeg, showing off his lightning-quick movement on the wing before cutting inside and setting up Rodrgyo, who could only fire his shot high and wide. However, that would have been of great assistance.
“Could be,” responded Brazilian legend Dani Alves in a Guardian interview, when asked if his young team-mate could be the breakout star of Qatar 2022.
“Why not? He’s a phenomenon. You have to be careful in football because it’s a huge machine of distraction and you have to find balance, not be carried away when you’re in your best moment or when you’re not in your best moment.”
Watch: Manchester United’s Antony ‘ends Serbia defender career’ with filthy nutmeg
