Brazil arrived in Russia on Monday hungry to make amends for their World Cup humiliation in 2014 with Neymar apparently fighting fit, as Lionel Messi cast doubt over his international future.
The Brazilians landed in the early hours in Sochi, the Black Sea resort where they will be based, buoyant after beating Austria 3-0 in their final warm-up match.
Most of the favourites are now in Russia ahead of Thursday’s curtainraiser between the hosts and Saudi Arabia but holders Germany are due to arrive on Tuesday.
The atmosphere is low-key ahead of the opening match at Moscow’s imposing 80,000-capacity Luzhniki stadium.
Russia was a disputed choice when it was handed the World Cup in a closely watched 2010 vote that has since been tainted by bribery charges and the tournament takes place against a background of international tensions.
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Source: Seychelles News Agency
