Neymar’s return ahead of WC gives Brazil morale boost
MOSCOW: Neymar’s acclaimed return ahead of the World Cup supplied Brazil with an immeasurable boost, but holders Germany and Argentina arrive at the tournament battling inconsistent form and disrupted preparations.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar’s swashbuckling display in a 45-minute appearance against Croatia last weekend largely dismissed lingering concerns over his fitness after more than three months out with a fractured foot.
The 26-year-old admitted he was only at ‘80 per cent’ but promised he would be raring to go come Brazil’s first game at the finals against Switzerland on June 17.
“For the first match back I actually expected less from him! I would have been happy with a quieter performance,” Brazil coach Tite said of Neymar’s eyecatching performance.
“What he did was really extraordinary.”
Brazil’s form under Tite, appointed coach midway through a faltering qualifying campaign, suggests it will be difficult to stop the five-time world champions from adding another title in Russia.
A reinvigorated Selecao have won 16 of 20 matches with the former Corinthians boss at the helm, a 1-0 loss to Argentina last year in Melbourne the only defeat since he took charge.
Spain, unbeaten since Julen Lopetegui was appointed coach after Euro 2016, are back among the genuine contenders after a catastrophic 2014 World Cup and another early exit the European Championship.
“Spanish football has lived through an extraordinary, historic period in 2008, 2010 and 2012, but after that the team has not found the same consistency or success. We have to grow again as a team. We have the biggest ambitions but we are also very aware that we arrive at this World Cup feeling humble and wanting to prove ourselves,” Lopetegui told AFP.
Spain cruised through a qualifying section featuring Italy, and delivered a further warning to their World Cup rivals with a 6-1 demolition of Argentina in March.
But they will be tested immediately in Russia when they launch their group stage campaign against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on June 15 in Sochi. — AFP
For the first match back I actually expected less from him! I would have been happy with a quieter performance. What he did was really extraordinary. — Tite, Brazil coach