A timely return and an even more timely goal from Neymar gave Brazil a welcome boost ahead of the World Cup.
A fairly dull game was lifted in the second half by the Paris Saint-Germain forward, and also by the introduction of Liverpool favourite Roberto Firmino whose name rung out around the ground as he entered the pitch.
The opening goal was the result of good play in midfield from Willian and Philippe Coutinho. Their quick passing gave Neymar a shot at the opposition defence which he took, creating space for himself before blasting a strike of the underside of the bar in front of the Brazil fans housed in the Kop.
Coutinho was returning to his old stomping ground and received a mixed reception. His only effort on goal almost cleared the Anfield Road Stand and landed on Anfield Road itself, much to the amusement of some Liverpool and Croatia fans. Despite this slightly embarrassing attempt on goal he still looked like the man to make things happen for Brazil.
The geographical profiling which determines friendly opponents saw Brazil preparing for their group game against Serbia, and Croatia for theirs against Argentina. Both sides will have learned a few things regardless of whether this type of regional stereotyping is effective preparation.
Brazil were forced to evade Croatia’s first-half pressing, and dropped Coutinho into midfield following the introduction of Neymar. This will have given their manager, Tite, a good idea of how to deal with this increasingly popular style of defending from the front. This is another reason why the linkup play in midfield ahead of the goal was so pleasing from a Brazil perspective.
Croatia looked to threaten on the counter but didn’t quite have the pace required. A promising display from left winger Ante Rebic might see him work his way towards a regular spot in the XI during the World Cup.
Luka Modric confirmed that he is one of the best midfielders in the world, and looked on another level to his teammates and most of the opposition. He was withdrawn in the second half to make sure he remains fit for the tournament which begins in under two weeks.
There was an encouraging display from Manchester City right-back Danilo in Brazil’s back four, and he could get the nod over Fagner as the replacement for Dani Alves.
Firmino’s late strike was a perfect way to end the game as he scored in front of both the Liverpool fans and the Brazil supporters who are yet to take to him as much as those on Merseyside. Maybe he will endear himself to them as Brazil make their way through the tournament.
Neymar had been out for exactly three months with a foot injury, but returned today to ease worries that he wouldn’t be fit enough to play at 100 percent in Russia. His goal was the type of moment needed to change tight games that look like they are going nowhere, and only a select few players have this ability. In Neymar, Brazil have one of the best, and his supporting cast isn’t too shabby, either.
