Brazil touch down in Russia after winning final FIFA World Cup 2018 friendly

Update: 2018-06-12 00:21 IST

A confident Brazil squad arrived in Russia in the early hours of Monday morning as they set their sights on winning the World Cup for the sixth time.

Neymar and the rest of the team touched down in Sochi, the Black Sea resort city where they will be based during the tournament, just before 3am local time (0000 GMT) on a flight from Vienna.

The Brazilians left the Austrian capital on Sunday evening after beating their hosts 3-0 in their final friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018, with Neymar among the scorers.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was also the first time the quartet of Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho and Willian had started a game together.

Austria, unbeaten in their last eight games and winners over Germany one week ago, proved uncomfortable opponents and had nothing to lose in front of a capacity 48,500 crowd, having failed to qualify for the World Cup.

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.

World's most expensive player netted on what was his first start since undergoing surgery on a fractured foot in early March. The other goals were scored by the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho against an Austrian side who failed to qualify for the World Cup. The mega event is scheduled to begin in Russia in three days. It was good news for Brazil that Neymar lasted on the field for 84 minutes and his esteemed supporting casts are in fine order.

Brazil, who were humiliated by Germany 7-1 in the semi-final of the previous edition, are set to begin their campaign next Sunday, June 17, when they face Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don. They will also come up against Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

Tags:    

Similar News