ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia – Brazil star Neymar will make his World Cup bow on Sunday as the five-time champion kick off quest for redemption while holder Germany launch its bid for back-to-back titles.
Four years after injury cut short his World Cup, before Brazil suffered a humiliating 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, Neymar is once again spearheading his country’s hopes.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker’s participation at the finals in Russia had been cast into doubt after he suffered a fractured right foot in late February.
However the 26-year-old forward has shown little signs of rust since returning for Brazil, scoring in consecutive friendlies on the eve of the finals.
Brazil coach Tite, who masterminded a dominant qualifying campaign which saw the “Selecao” finish 10 points clear of their rivals, said Neymar was “not 100 percent”.
“But he has exceptional physical qualities, his speed in particular. In any case, he is in a suitable state to play,” Tite said.
Neymar is the focal point of one of the most menacing attacks in the tournament, and could line up in a front four which includes Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Willian.
Switzerland meanwhile has regularly shown it is capable of punching above its weight, having only narrowly missed out on automatic qualification to Russia on goal difference behind Portugal.