Tite hails ‘extraordinary’ Neymar’s golden return

Liverpool (AFP) – Neymar proved his fitness for the World Cup with an explosive return to action that left Brazil manager Tite stunned as the superstar’s superb strike inspired Sunday’s 2-0 win over Croatia.

Sidelined for 98 days after breaking a metatarsal and spraining his ankle while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in late February, Neymar had confessed to concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

But, after appearing as a half-time replacement for Fernandinho, Neymar eased his country’s fears by scoring a magnificent individual goal in the 68th minute at Anfield.

Tite couldn’t believe what he’d just seen from the striker in his first appearance for over three months.

“For the first match back I actually expected less from him! I would have been happy with a quieter performance,” Tite said.

“What he did was really extraordinary. Neymar is an extraordinary individual talent but the goal he scored came from a move, a build-up, involving the whole team.

“He’s aware of what they bring to him.”

Tite, who has now led Brazil to 16 victories in 20 games in charge, was understandably keen to focus on his team’s efforts, rather than Neymar’s solo contribution.

But he knows the world’s most expensive footballer is destined to steal the headlines from his side’s impressive World Cup warm-up victory.

“In terms of scoring, the responsibility doesn’t just fall on his shoulders,” Tite said.

“He just has to keep working hard, like he is doing, working for the team and keep the team at the forefront of his mind.”

Brazil have returned to train in London, where they have been using the facilities of Premier League club Tottenham, before moving on to Austria to face the hosts in Vienna in their final friendly on Sunday.

One week later, Tite leads Brazil against Switzerland in their opening group match as the Selecao start their quest for a sixth World Cup title.

They do so on the back of a solid victory against fellow World Cup qualifiers Croatia, which also featured a stoppage-time goal from Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.

“At half-time, I said to the players, you’re in a battle out there, the opposition is playing at a very high level,” said Tite.

“But this is what they have to expect at the World Cup. There are going to be moments when the opponents are on top and it makes a difference if you can soak that up and show your superiority.”

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