Neymar Shines in Brazil’s Win against Croatia, Iceland Beaten

Neymar scored a brilliant goal on his return from injury yesterday as Brazil defeated Croatia, Super Eagles first Group D World Cup opponents in Russia 2-0 at Liverpool home ground at Anfield.

Nigeria’s second game opponents at the Mundial, Iceland also lost 3-2 to Norway at their home ground in Reykjavik.

The Paris St-Germain star, 26, smashed a shot in off the bar after a slick move involving Chelsea’s Willian and Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho.

Croatia’s high tempo created first-half chances for Dejan Lovren and Andrej Kramaric. But Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scored in added time to seal the victory.

Brazil, who became the first team to qualify for the World Cup in March, face Austria next Sunday before starting their Group E campaign against Switzerland on 17 June.

Elsewhere yesterday, Norway took the lead after 15 minutes before Iceland drew level after half an hour through a penalty converted by Alfred Finnbogason.

Iceland top star Gylfi Sigurdsson showed he has fully recovered from a long-term knee injury when he put the host team in front in the 70th minute.

Norway staged a late rally to score in the 80th and 85 minutes to win.

The other Group D team, Argentina, have set up training camp in Spain.

Related Articles