There was something to celebrate for Brazil fans as Neymar returned from injury to inspire them to a 2-0 win against Croatia in a World Cup warm-up on Sunday afternoon.
The PSG striker came on at half-time and made an instant impact at Anfield with a sublime solo effort to put the five-time World champions ahead. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino doubled the team’s tally deep into stoppage time.
Here are our player ratings from the match:
ALISSON: 6 – Didn’t have much to do but palmed out Ante Rebic’s header early on.
MARCELO: 6 – A solid show by the left-back, who wasn’t afraid to bomb forward on the attack. Unleashed a long-range effort that just fell inches wide.
JOAO MIRANDA: 6 – Gave the ball away from a dangerous position and was fortunate not to pay the price. Gradually found his rhythm to frustrate the Croatians.
THIAGO SILVA: 7 – Showed why he’s one of the first names on the team sheet by using all his experience by blocking out any danger that came his way.
DANILO: 6- Like the rest of his fellow defenders, stepped up his game as the match went on, resulting in a strong defensive showing.
FERNANDINHO: 5 – Didn’t allow Croatia much room to create any opportunities. Replaced at half-time with Neymar.
CASEMIRO: 7 – The Real Madrid man sat deep and provided the protection for his defenders. Provided the assist for Firmino’s strike.
PAULINHO: 5 – Not the best of games for the Barcelona man. Did little to create any goal scoring opportunities and was closely marked.
PHILIPPE COUTINHO: 6 – A quiet first half but the introduction of Neymar after the break saw him drop deeper. Played a key role in Brazil’s opening goal by finding Neymar on the wing for the assist.
GABRIEL JESUS: 5- A frustrating day for the centre-forward. His team’s lack of creativity restricted his impact. No surprise to see him replaced.
WILLIAN: 7 – One of Brazil’s best players on the pitch. Set up a nice move early on but was unlucky not to finish it off with a goal. Continued to be a threat throughout the match and found Coutinho for Neymar’s goal.
SUBS:
NEYMAR: 8 – All the pre-match conversation was about the world’s expensive player on his competitive return. He lived up to that billing with a stunning solo goal.
ROBERTO FIRMINO: 7 – Came on for Coutinho. Saw a chance go wide but there was still time for the Liverpool striker to get on the scoresheet deep into stoppage time.
