Renato Augusto injury may unsettle Brazil and other key issues ahead of World Cup 2018

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  • Brazil line-up before Austria win.

    World Cup 2018 is now just a matter of days away and several major contenders have already landed in Russia after they completed their final warm-up matches.

    But how are they shaping up? Which players are in form and will the head coaches be forced into any last-minute tactical tweaks?

    Here, we review where Brazil find themselves ahead of Sunday’s Group E-opener against Switzerland at Rostov Arena:

    FRIENDLY RESULTS

    Brazil kicked off with a confident 2-0 win against Croatia that saw Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar come off the bench and score a stupendous opener after more than three months out injured. The lethal attacking trio of Neymar, Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho then inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Austria.

    WHO IS IN FORM AND WHO IS IN A SLUMP?

    The experienced centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Miranda both kept clean sheets upon their starts. Will the former now keep out PSG club-mate Marquinhos when the competitive action starts, despite head coach Tite’s stated preference? Otherwise, Juventus flyer Douglas Costa was restricted to six minutes because of injury and appears well behind Chelsea’s Willian.

    TACTICAL TWEAKS

    Brazil are a settled unit. In February, Tite revealed his starting XI within a 4-3-3 system. Beijing Guoan centre midfielder Renato Augusto is a pillar, but a knee injury kept him out of both games. If he’s not ready when Group E kicks off on Sunday v Switzerland, it’s likely the creative Coutinho will drop back. Man City battler Fernandinho will stay on the bench.

    BURNING QUESTION

    With such ludicrous talent dotted throughout their squad, no playing questions can be levied at this Brazil. It is the mental battle that could be their toughest opponent in Russia. Deep scars were left by the 7-1 semi-final humiliation on home soil against Germany four years ago. There is also an arrogant streak that could yet see them run away with themselves.

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