Brazil defeated Austria 3-0 in Vienna on Sunday in the nation’s final warm-up match before opening World Cup group play against Switzerland on June 17. The match was memorable for two reasons: (1) Thank Freddy Adu we’ll have VAR in Russia — Brazil’s opening goal was the sort of break you’d expect the Seleção to get at a World Cup (Gabriel Jesus was four yards offside), but not anymore — and (2) Neymar killed a man.
Here’s the opener from Jesus. It was a fine finish from the Manchester City striker, but Marcelo’s effort from long-range deflected off Paulinho and found it’s way to Jesus, who was miles offside. Once again, VAR is going to be an awesome game changer in Russia.
GOAL: @gabrieljesus33 breaks the deadlock as the linesman makes a strong case for VAR. 1-0, @CBF_Futebol
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 10, 2018
Brazil’s second goal was much more wholesome, although it involved murder. After scoring a fantastic goal against Croatia last Sunday, Neymar has certainly put any concerns over his fitness to rest with just a week to go until Switzerland. Here's the PSG talisman forcing an Austrian defender to crumble with just one look.
GOAL: @neymarjr weaves his magic through the Austrian backline to double @CBF_Futebol's lead. 2-0. pic.twitter.com/A6oyxhUizc
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 10, 2018
Coutinho added Brazil’s third in the 69th. Nice.
GOAL: @Phil_Coutinho puts the game to bed, coolly finishing off a sweeping attack. 3-0, @CBF_Futebol pic.twitter.com/CsFJI0IpzM
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) June 10, 2018
It was another assured and impressive performance from Tite’s men, and the Canarinho will be massive favorites in Group E alongside Switzerland (June 17), Costa Rica (June 22) and Serbia (June 27).