Daily Digest: Neymar scores as Brazil beat Austria 3-0 in World Cup warm-up

Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho netted either side of Neymar’s strike at the Ernst Happel Stadion, as the world’s most expensive player confirmed his return to fitness following a foot operation three months ago.

It was an encouraging way for Tite’s side to complete their preparations before their departure for their base in the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

Read our ratings and talking points from the game.

FOOTBALL

Neymar was reportedly spotted in discussion with a Real Madrid representative in Liverpool last week, according to Marca.

The PSG superstar, who starred during Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendly victory over Croatia at Anfield last Sunday, apparently met with a Los Blancos emissary ahead of the game.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah has hailed the team spirit instilled by Egypt manager Hector Cuper as one of the side’s biggest strengths going into the World Cup.

“We play differently with Hector Cuper than with our previous coach [Shawky Gharib],” the 25-year-old talisman said in an interview with Marca.

Read more from that interview, here.

CRICKET

England pace bowler Jimmy Anderson is to miss Lancashire’s next two matches as he rests a long-standing shoulder injury ahead of the forthcoming Test series with India.

Anderson will sit out the games against Worcestershire and Hampshire as part of a six-week period of rest in a bid to be ready to face the tourists in a five-match series which starts on August 1.

Elsewhere, Ishant Sharma’s maiden stint in county cricket has come to an end and it has been one which has been highly fruitful for the India pacer.

Here, we look at why the Sussex bowler could prove to be a real handful for English batsmen with the upcoming five-match Test series on the horizon. Ashish Peter has more.

REGIONAL

Ahmed Raza believes the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) new franchise T20 league is the ‘best thing ever’ to happen for UAE cricket that will not only help the senior national members but also benefit the younger generation.

Our reporter Denzil Pinto brings you the interview, here.

FEATURE OF THE DAY

After plateauing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James appears ready to make another move in free agency. Our man Jay Asser with the latest on the Cavs superstar.

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

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