About 5,000 fans trooped to the stadium to watch Neymar and the rest of the Brazilian squad train today as it’s a national holiday in Russia. Many fans opted for vantage points along the road leading to the stadium, while others filled the stand. One young boy broke through security barriers and managed to get close to a group of Brazil players including Neymar, taking a photograph before being led away. However, most fans contented themselves with chanting the name of the world’s most expensive player, who arrived with his teammates in Russia in the early hours of Monday.
Members of the Selecao also had a treat in store for Philippe Coutinho, marking the Barcelona midfielder’s 26th birthday by pinning him to the ground, breaking an egg over his head and covering him in flour. Those who started the final pre-World Cup warm-up against Austria spent most of Tuesday’s session apart from the rest of Tite’s squad, while Manchester United-bound midfielder Fred was not involved as he continues to nurse an ankle injury.
Brazil play their opening game at the tournament on Sunday, when they take on Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don. They will also come up against Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.