World Cup: Neymar holds the key for Brazil in Group E

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02:37

As the countdown has begun for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we are taking a look at one of the most dramatic groups in the tournament. Group E may not be the "Group of Death" but it features the most popular and well-decorated team in world football: Brazil.

The other teams in the group are Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica but all eyes will be on Brazil, especially their quest to redeem themselves on the international stage after their catastrophic exit at home in the previous World Cup, in which they suffered a record-setting seven-goal humiliation against Germany.

Neymar scores the first goal during the International Friendly match against Croatia at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool on June 3. /VCG File Photo

Much to the delight of Brazilian fans, their star player and the fulcrum of their famed attack, Neymar, has recovered just in time after undergoing a knee surgery and has already displayed his sublime touch during last week's friendly against Croatia.

However, the five-time former World Cup champions will miss their stalwart right back Dani Alves, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury suffered while playing for his club, Paris Saint-Germain. A slew of their other key players like Douglas Costa, Renato Augusto and new Manchester United signing Fred are also grappling with niggling issues.

Even though Brazil are favorites to sail into the second round from their group, the fight for the second spot from Group E should be quite intense and competitive as Serbia, Costa Rica and Switzerland are all at the same level.

Rodriguez Ricardo of Switzerland (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during the international friendly match against Japan on June 8. /VCG File Photo

The key game of the group will be Brazil vs. Switzerland at the Rostov Arena, in Rostov-on-Don. This meeting will be crucial to both sides' hopes of starting the tournament on a winning note.

Interestingly, after Russia, who qualified automatically as tournament hosts, Brazil were the first side to secure a place in the tournament, courtesy of their 3-0 defeat of Paraguay in March 2017.