NEYMAR PUTS BRAZIL IN TOP FRAY
Neymar’s acclaimed return ahead of the World Cup supplied Brazil with an immeasurable boost, but holders Germany and Argentina arrive at the tournament confronting 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 percent” 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. “What he did was really extraordinary.”
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 named coach after Euro 2016, are back among the genuine contenders after a catastrophic 2014 World Cup and early exit at the Euro Championship.
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 Portugal on June 15.
Manuel Neuer’s comeback following eight months out with a foot injury has given Germany a shot in the arm, with Joachim Loew’s side struggling to hit their stride ahead of their title defence.
An unconvincing 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia halted a five-match winless run, although Ilkay Gundogan was booed by Germany supporters after meeting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and calling him “my president”.
“The fact that a national player is booed like that helps nobody,” Loew told broadcaster ARD, insisting the incident be put in the past.
Argentina’s build-up was jolted by the cancellation of a controversial friendly against Israel.
With goalkeeper Sergio Romero already ruled out, Argentina’s plans were further complicated by the loss of Manuel Lanzini to injury, but team manager Omar Souto believes all is in place for a successful competition. “I have been at five World Cups and this is the best set-up because it has everything,” he said. —