Liverpool, June 4: Neymar on Sunday put a smile on the faces of Brazilian fans by leading the Selecao to a 2-0 friendly win over Croatia, in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia. Neymar made his first appearance after three months after recovering from a foot injury. 2018 FIFA World Cup Friendlies Fixtures: Check Full Warm-Up Schedule Timetable in Indian Time for Germany, Brazil, Spain, England, Argentina and All 32 Countries.

Neymar, who was inserted in the second half, proved to be decisive for the five-time world champions, as the team had not been able to fire even a single shot on target during the opening 45 minutes, Efe news reported. Brazil Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Selecao Lineup, Team Details, Road to Qualification & Players to Watch Out For in Football WC.

The Paris Saint-German star, however, gave the Brazilian squad a big boost, not only by his own performance, but also because his presence on the pitch allowed Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho to move farther back and take control of the play-making. FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Match Timings & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

With Coutinho in the midfield, Brazil gained both speed and creativity, both of which they had lacked in the first half. The change paid off as Neymar dribbled around three Croatian defenders inside the area, off a Coutinho pass, before putting the ball home in the 69th minute. Croatia Squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Lineup, Team Details, Road to Qualification & Players to Watch Out for in Football WC.

The goal proved that the Coutinho-Neymar duo could be a key element in Brazil's chances for a sixth World Cup title. Liverpool's Roberto Frimino, hoping to play a decisive role in Russia as well, doubled the score in injury time, making the most of a cross from Real Madrid's Casemiro.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 12:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).