Brazil signed off from their World Cup preparations in typically classy style with a resounding 3-0 win over Austria.
Gabriel Jesus’ ice-cool finish set the tone in the first half for Brazil, before an another astonishing Neymar goal heightened the Selecao’s command. Philippe Coutinho added the gloss twenty minutes from the end after a scorching counter attack.
Brazil have looked one of the strongest sides in the warm-up. And anticipation for a defining tournament, after brutal despondency four years ago, leaves many wondering whether it will be their year.
The way they dismantled Austria doesn’t go too far in suggesting their success at the World Cup, however glistening displays from Neymar and Coutinho showed more than just flashes of their brilliance.
The Brazilians get underway next Sunday, facing Switzerland in arguably their toughest group stage game.
Neymar back to his best
It was another day to remember for Neymar, just a couple of weeks after returning to full fitness.
He stormed back to prominence with a stunning goal against Croatia last weekend and added to his tally here.
Yet more dazzling skill inside the box left Aleksandar Dragovic falling backwards, and the unerring strike that followed further underlined his world class status.
Neymar certainly looks to be the glittering diamond amongst Brazil’s gemstones. Surrounded by the exceptional talent of Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino, the PSG winger can rise to the surface as a World Cup great.
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His injury in 2014 rocked Brazil to the core, and although they reached the semi-final it can be argued they never properly recovered. They certainly missed him against Germany.
But, Neymar is back for Russia and looks every bit as glorious as he was before the setback which initially put his World Cup in jeopardy.
Croatia and Austria are merely the beginning for Neymar.
Squad of stars
Apart from perhaps France or Belgium, Brazil’s 23-man squad, on paper at least, is unrivalled.
Not only do they have stars to spare, the Selecao have a distinct strength in depth fundamental if this is to be their landmark tournament.
Search behind the resplendent attackers, and there is a steadfast core equally important as the vibrant, South American-flavoured forward force.
Fernandinho, Casemiro, Thiago Silva and Alisson all form a Brazilian backbone to reinforce and provide vital resolve.
It might be Neymar or Coutinho unleashing their awe-inspiring talent to the world, however if Brazil do win the World Cup those star-studded attackers cannot take all the plaudits.
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Did you learn anything from Brazil’s win over Austria?