Neymar ready to kick-start Brazil's World Cup against Costa Rica

Neymar was fouled 10 times by Switzerland as Brazil endured a frustrating draw, but after an injury scare the PSG star is looking to open his account when they take on Costa Rica on Friday. After a disappointing start to the World Cup, Brazil star Neymar has overcome an ankle problem and is ready to open his account against Costa Rica in St Petersburg on Friday.
Neymar was ineffective as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland on Sunday, allowing Serbia to move top of Group E after they beat Costa Rica 1-0. Paris Saint-Germain winger Neymar, the most expensive player in the world after his move from Barcelona last summer for 222 million euros (257 million dollars), recovered from a foot injury he suffered in February to feature for Brazil after missing the end of the Ligue 1 season.
Despite scoring two goals in tune-up friendlies against Croatia and Austria, against Switzerland the 26-year-old was unable to find the net. Neymar's opponents worked hard to shackle him by fair means or foul - three Swiss players were booked for hacks on the number 10, who was fouled 10 times across 96 minutes.
After being roughed up in the game and being criticized by the Brazilian media for his performance, Extra commenting on his new look by saying "Hairstyle 10 - Football 0", Neymar was forced out of Tuesday's training session with an ankle problem. "Neymar complained of ankle pain due to the number of fouls he suffered against Switzerland," wrote the Brazilian Football Federation on Twitter, who also stated that he would return to training on Wednesday.
Neymar duly appeared and worked with the ball as normal, indicating he will start against Costa Rica in St Petersburg for the five-time World Cup winners. Brazil's goalscorer against Switzerland, Philippe Coutinho, said his team-mate was targeted by the European side. "Everybody goes after Neymar. When he's playing, he gets a lot of fouls.
They come strong," said Barcelona playmaker Coutinho. "Neymar is one of the best in the world, playing with him is very important resource. When he plays for us, it's a huge help. "He is a brave man who always takes on opponents. Always trying to create, (he's) important for us." Costa Rica were seen off by Alexander Kolarov's free-kick in their first match, which was a tight affair.
Neymar returning to his best is imperative for Brazil to break down the Central American side, who boast Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas in goal. Coutinho will also be a threat from distance, with the Brazilian star netting one of his trademark long-range curlers to put his team ahead in Rostov-on-Don against the Swiss. "It will be very important. We wanted to win the first game. But we ended with a draw. We have another opportunity," said Coutinho. "We have to play a happy game with responsibility because we're wearing the Brazil shirt. We have to be happy and daring."