It’s redemption time for Brazil
Brazil arrived in Russia on Monday hungry to make amends for their World Cup humiliation in 2014 with Neymar apparently fighting fit.
The Brazilians landed in the early hours in Sochi, the Black Sea resort where they will be based, buoyant after beating Austria 3-0 in their final warm up match.
Most of the favourites are now in Russia ahead of Thursday’s curtainraiser between the hosts and Saudi Arabia but holders Germany are due to arrive on Tuesday.
Brazil’s Neymar, who broke a bone in his foot in February, marked his first start in more than three months by scoring in Sunday’s easy victory in Vienna while Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho also netted.
It was Neymar’s 55th goal in a Brazil shirt, allowing him to draw level with Romario on his country’s list of all-time leading scorers — only Pele and Ronaldo have more goals for their country. “I don’t know Neymar’s limits,” Brazil coach Tite said. “His technical and creative capacity is impressive. When we get him in the last third of the field he is lethal.”
Brazil, who crashed out of the last World Cup on home soil in a humiliating 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, start their campaign against Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday.
While the favourites limber up, host nation Russia are under intense pressure as they prepare to open the tournament. Ranked a lowly 70 in the world, Russia have not won for seven consecutive games.
President Vladimir Putin, who has spent billions to put on the biggest sports event in Russia since the 1980 Moscow Olympics, has exhorted the team to raise their level.
“I must acknowledge the fact that, unfortunately, our team have not achieved big results in recent times,” Putin said last week.
Before Thursday’s kickoff, Fifa will focus on choosing the host of the 2026 World Cup between a joint bid featuring the United States, Canada and Mexico and underdogs Morocco.
Fifa member states will vote on the issue at their congress on Wednesday. —