Brazil arrived in Russia as hot favourites, but the growing anxiety surrounding Neymar's ankle injury raised doubts about whether he would be fit for the Seleçãos in their quest for a sixth crown. Then, the Paris Saint-Germain forward hobbled out of training three days before Brazil's next fixture against Costa Rica. But he was back for practice on Wednesday. Coach Tite confirmed Neymar will play in Brazil's vital tie today despite injury fears. "He is there because he deserves to be in the playing XI. He is fit and ready to play. I honour the commitment and honesty of every footballer in the squad," Tite said.

Tough opener
The world's most expensive player was given a rough ride by the Swiss in a 1-1 draw on Sunday, suffering 10 fouls during the match, the most by any player in a single World Cup game for 20 years. "We want to win, it's a World Cup, but the coach is not going to play with the players' health. It's too big a risk," he added. Quizzed whether Neymar's style of play is more individualistic, Tite said: "That is your opinion. I don't have any problem with him or his playing style. He plays a type of game that can create more chances. Football is obviously a team game, but you have to respect the individuality and the attribute it carries. I respect it."