Neymar returned from injury on Sunday with a superb performance that beat Austria in a 3-0 friendly match ahead of World Cup 2018 in Russia.
Set up by Willian in the 63rd minute, Neymar wrong-footed Austria defender Aleksandar Dragovic with a quick move and converted through the legs of goalkeeper Heinz Lindner for Brazil’s second goal.
Prior this, it was Gabriel Jesus who opened score for Brazil in the 36th minute with a smooth delivery from a tight angle.
Philippe Coutinho made sure that his side will take the win after a slick finish 20 minutes before the battle ended.
When asked whether Neymar was back at full strength, Brazil coach Tite said: “”I don’t know the limit of Neymar,” he answered through an interpreter and added, “’If (Austria) opens up in defense, go for it,’ I told him at the break. In the end I thought it might be getting too much for him so I took him off.”
A week ago, Neymar came on for the second half against Croatia in Liverpool and had an immediate impact as he opened the scoring after dribbling past two opponents to help Brazil win 2-0.
However, during the battle against Austria, Neymar barely had attempt on goal in the first half. He went down three times following rough challenges by the home side.
The first scare came in the third minute following a late tackle from behind by midfielder Alessandro Schoepf. Similar fouls were committed by Florian Grillitsch in the 35th and Sebatian Proedl in the 53rd.
Neymar remained sitting on the pitch and holding his left ankle with a painful face, although he eventually got up and didn’t look hampered during play.
Sign Up to get the most comprehensive match reports and 12BET Sportsbook updates.
Photo Credit: sports.abs-cbn
Q.WinWorldCup
Latest posts by Q.WinWorldCup (see all)
- Brazil star player Neymar scores and stuns against Austria - June 11, 2018
- England will be at Russia to win the World Cup 2018 title - May 30, 2018
- Injured Mohamed Salah remains confident of playing in the World Cup - May 28, 2018