At home in Sochi
Brazil comfortable at World Cup base
SOCHI, Russia — It didn't take long before Neymar and his Brazil teammates started heading to the beach after the team arrived at its World Cup base in Sochi.
The five-time world champions are feeling quite at home at the Black Sea resort city, enjoying warm temperatures and a private beach.
Players were so comfortable, in fact, that the team's first practice session ended Tuesday with Neymar and others throwing eggs and flour at playmaker Philippe Coutinho and defender Fagner, who were celebrating their birthdays. Just two (Neymar and Coutinho) of the world's three priciest players having a laugh ahead of a tournament where they'll be carrying heavy expectations.
Brazil has near-ideal conditions for its World Cup preparations in Sochi, with possibly the closest setting to what the team had back home before traveling to Russia.
"It was a positive first impression, the beauty of the city, its beaches," goalkeeper Alisson said. "We are having lunch and breakfast with a view of the sea. That's a plus for us."
The private beach at the team's luxury hotel was a hit with the players from the start. Neymar was one of the first to take a shirtless walk by the sand on the team's day off on Monday. He and other players posted photos taking time off by the beach.
Brazil practiced for the first time in Sochi on Tuesday and allowed local fans to attend the training session. Nearly 4,000 people were handed tickets to watch the team's first activity on Russian soil.
"It's important to have contact with the local fans," Alisson said. "We are happy that it happened. We'll try to get to know more of their city in the coming days."