Neymar's stunner guides Brazil to win over Austria

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Fit-again Neymar raised hopes for Brazilian fans with another masterclass in his side's last international friendly before the FIFA World Cup finals.

A spectacular goal by the talismanic forward helped the Selecao register a morale-boosting 3-0 win on Sunday over a feisty Austria who offered stiff resistance in the first half.

Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho scored the other goals for the five-time World Cup champions, who showcased a clinical performance in the second half.

Neymar started a game for the first time since injuring his metatarsal in February, even though he played in the second half of Brazil's win 2-0 over Croatia last week and celebrated his return with a stunning goal.

Brazil's forward Neymar scores past Austria's goalkeeper Heinz Lindner during the international friendly in Vienna. /VCG Photo

His goal against Austria was also sublime as he left one defender on the ground before scoring between goalkeeper Heinz Lindner's legs.

That pulled him level with Romario's total of 55 international goals, making him Brazil's third joint top-scorer after Pele and Ronaldo.

It was also the first time the quartet of Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho and Willian had started a game together.

Austria, unbeaten in their last eight games and winners over Germany one week ago, proved tough opponents and had nothing to lose in front of a capacity 48,500 crowd, having failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Midfielder Philippe Coutinho Correia scores the third goal for Brazil past Austria's goalkeeper Heinz Lindner. /VCG Photo

Neymar was substituted in the 83rd minute after he faced some rough challenges and needed treatment after a tackle from behind from Aleksandar Dragovic.

"The concentration and competitiveness of the team was laudable," Brazil coach Tite told reporters. "Today was another example that, mentally, we are maturing. It was a difficult match, with heavy physical contact and we did really well."

Brazil will open their World Cup game finals campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

Brazil, who have won all four games this year without conceding a goal, also face Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

They will head to Russia in an upbeat mood, having lost only one out of 21 games – a friendly against Argentina – in Tite's two years in charge.

(With input from Reuters)