Much to the delight of the Brazil fans ahead of the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, Neymar made a spectacular comeback from injury with a stunning goal in his side’s 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday. With the World Cup getting underway in a fortnight’s time, the Brazilian superstar, who was recuperating for over three months after undergoing surgery following an injury 98 days ago, made a timely comeback as he was initially doubtful for the quadrennial event.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward came as a half-time substitute for his compatriot and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho in the game in Liverpool as part of the Selecao’s preparations for the mega event. Just 23 minutes after his much-awaited return, Neymar scored the spellbinding goal to underline his supremacy as well as indispensability to Brazil's hopes of a sixth world title.

Latching on to a pass from Philippe Coutinho, Neymar cut into the area and dribbled past Sime Vrsaljko and Duje Caleta-Car, before slotting into the roof of the goal from the edge of the six-yard area.

As he punched the air in obvious delight, his much-relieved teammates mobbed him with sheer joy to have their talismanic player back with a bang.

The world's most expensive player, who made a blockbuster move from Barcelona to PSG last year, had been sidelined since the end of February when he sprained his ankle and fractured his fifth metatarsal in a league victory against Marseille. 

He had to undergo an operation which had left the 26-year-old facing a battle to be fit in time for Brazil's opening World Cup match with Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on June 17.

The stunning goal against Croatia leaves Neymar on 54 goals for his country, one behind Romario, who is third on the country's all-time list and with only Pele and Ronaldo ahead of him in the Brazil record books.

Liverpool's in-form forward Roberto Firmino, on his club ground, doubled the lead for the Canary yellow brigade in stoppage time as the upbeat Brazilians have now a reason to celebrate before they embark on their Russia expedition.