Neymar goal caps Brazil win
Brazil scored three superbly-taken goals to beat feisty Austria 3-0 in sweltering conditions on Sunday and put the finishing touches to their impressive World Cup preparation. Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho shared the goals for the five-times champions who showed great patience in the first half as they worked to break Austria down before turning on the style after the interval. Neymar started a game for the first time since injuring his metatarsal in February, although he played in the second half of last week’s win 2-0 over Croatia when he celebrated his return with a goal. It was also the first time the quartet of Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho and Willian had started a game together.
Neymar, substituted in the 83rd minute, was on the receiving end of some rough challenges and needed treatment after a tackle from behind from Aleksandar Dragovic who was booked.
FRANCE FLAT IN DRAW
LYON: Paul Pogba put in an improved performance but France looked flat in a 1-1 World Cup warm-up draw against the United States in Lyon on Saturday. Julian Green gave the US, who failed to make it to Russia, the lead on the stroke of half-time but teenage starlet Kylian Mbappe equalised for the hosts.
Pogba had been jeered a week ago in a 3-1 victory over Italy but it was his pass that teed up Mbappe to save face for the Euro 2016 finalists in a match they were expected to win.
SPAIN FAIL TO IMPRESS
KRASNODAR: Spain laboured to a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia in an underwhelming World Cup warm-up in Krasnodar on Saturday. The 2010 champions remain unbeaten under coach Julen Lopetegui, who took over 20 matches ago after the Roja’s elimination from Euro 2016 in the last 16 at the hands of Italy.
Iago Aspas scored the only goal against fellow World Cup qualifiers Tunisia seven minutes from the end.
SWEDEN HELD BY PERU
STOCKHOLM: Sweden drew another blank as Peru held them to a frustrating scoreless draw in their final warm-up game on a sun-drenched evening in Gothenburg. The Swedes failed to find the net in Stockholm against Denmark last Saturday, and once again they struggled in front of goal as Sebastian Larsson celebrated his 100th cap by captaining Janne Andersson’s side.