'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABf/aAAgBAQAAAAAxz//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAb/2gAIAQIQAAAAJ//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQMQAAAAT//EACMQAAICAAMJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDAQQABRESFRYhIyRBcpH/2gAIAQEAAT8Ay6mBXd2232SvMRoMQeqVy9uz7TEfccM16HZseZnX6REKl6TI8vIzOP/EABsRAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAQQRElGx/9oACAECAQE/ACySsSst9X//xAAZEQABBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAEDBBL/2gAIAQMBAT8AsviICFf/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Brazil concluded their final warm-up match before the World Cup in a convincing fashion as Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho combined to ensure a 3-0 vanquish of Austria.
Coming off the back of an encouraging 2-1 win over holders Germany in the previous fixture, the hosts tried to put up another fight, but after a positive start, were completely blown out of water by a belligerent Seleccao. Tite opted to test the side he'd deploy in the opener against Switzerland, and wouldn't be miffed by anything really.
Brazil were at full throttle, and have issued an ominous warning to other contenders. Some major talking from the game here:
#5 Jesus responds to Firmino in style
If he lacked conviction in the previous outing and watched his Liverpool counterpart strengthen his case with a goal, then Jesus today looked like a man with a purpose. The Manchester City striker once again started ahead of Firmino and this time, capped off his evening with a well-taken goal.
Marcelo's shot ricocheted off the Austrian block to fall kindly for Jesus, who pounced on it like a predator waiting to ambush the prey to curl a venomous effort into the bottom corner. This was his 10th goal under Tite in 17 appearances, leading the way ahead of even Neymar who has managed just 7 under him.
Jesus may be only 23, but his precocious talent and attacking instincts will give even the seasoned strikers a hefty run for their money. He will lead the line for Brazil at the World Cup and Tite wouldn't have any second thoughts about that after today.
Follow Sportskeeda for 2018 World Cup Scores, Latest News & Updates, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more.
#4 Austria failed to fire this time but did pose a considerable threat
Das Team couldn't pull off another scalp following the 2-1 conquest of the world champions, but entered the game with the same vibrant spirit and even held Brazil at arm's length for the initial few minutes.
Austria started in the same 3-4-2-1 formation but with just 2 changes to the side that started against Germany. Yet, they appeared to be on the front foot during the initial exchanges. At around the halfway mark into the opening 45 minutes, the hosts produced 3 attempts, as Schopf, Schopf again, and Arnautovic tested the Brazil backline. It was the final output that ultimately let them down.
The second-half was more of a one-way filibuster as the Seleccao upped the ante. But Austria can now head to the summer vacation with some degree of satisfaction after two encouraging performances against two top shouts of the football circuit.
#3 Coutinho shines in the left midfield role
Deployed as a left winger against Croatia in the absence of Neymar, Coutinho was shunted back into the left of the midfield troika with Fernandinho dropping to the bench. This is the position that Coutinho thrived in when at Liverpool and replicated similar heroics in this game too.
In the initial exchanges when Brazil looked unsettled, it was Coutinho who took the initiative at goal when he magnificently cut inside and curled a shot that tested the Austrian keeper. He was central to Brazil's creativity in the final third and rounded off a fine evening with an equally fine goal.
Collecting the ball from Firmino on the left, Coutinho drove forward and hammered it home in an identical fashion to the opener by Jesus. It was a reflection of the player's confidence and despite a season of crests and troughs, he looks absolutely buoyant ahead of the tournament.
#2 Neymar is doing alright
The PSG star played his first game since the horrendous metatarsal injury when he came on as a half-time substitute against Croatia earlier in the week. Today, he started his first official game in three months and his performance did little to hint at it.
Neymar was quiet during the opening spell, but he mustered Brazil's first shot on target with a wonderful effort that drew a save out of Lindner in the 17th minute. A few eye-catching trickeries and brilliant solo runs later, he got on the scoresheet with a sublime goal through the keeper's legs after evading his markers with some nimble footwork.
He's now level with Romario on third with 55 goals in the all-time scoring lists for Brazil, but his rich vein of form and clean bill of health is reassuring for the fans and his team alike. He looks ready to take Russia by storm.
#1 It would take some stopping to thwart this Brazil juggernaut
Arguably for the first time since 2006, the Canaries enter a World Cup like a real force to reckon. While the heartbreak of 2014 on home soil is still vivid, this side looks capable to exorcise those demons and actually go all the way.
The necessary tools are there. Almost everybody is at the top of their game while Neymar's long injury layoff looks like a thing of the past. Tite has successfully peeled this side off the ground since taking over and the resounding victories over Croatia and Austria suggest they're approaching the tournament in a fine fettle and in the perfect shape.
This team hasn't lost a game since June 2016, and in current form, it would take huge competition to end the streak. The other big sides in the competition have been warned.
Do you like Brazil's chances in the World Cup? Let your voice be heard in the comments section below!
