Vienna: Brazil finished their World Cup preparations in style as they defeated feisty Austria 3-0 which includes a stunning Neymar effort in sweltering conditions here Sunday. Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho were the other scorers for the five-time champions.
It was the first time Neymar started a game since injuring his metatarsal in February although he played in the second half of last week’s win 2-0 over Croatia celebrating his return with a goal.
The South Americans went ahead in the 36th minute after Jesus scored with a delightful dinked effort from a difficult angle for his 10th goal in 17 internationals.
Neymar doubled the lead in the 63rd minute as he collected the ball on the left, performed a drag-back which left Aleksandar Dragovic on the floor before sending his shot between opposition goalie Heinz Lindner’s legs. Coutinho added the third six minutes later.
“The concentration and competitiveness of the team was laudable,” Brazil coach Tite told after the match. “Today (Sunday) was another example that, mentally, we are maturing. It was a difficult match, with heavy physical contact but we did really well.”
Brazil, who have won all four games this year without conceding a goal open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland June 17. They play their other group games against Costa Rica (June 22) and Serbia (June 27).