Brazil are still World Cup favourites, particularly after Neymar’s return, according to former Uruguay international Diego Lugano.

Tite’s men are yet to hit top form in Russia, but a 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Friday lifted them into first place in Group E.

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Neymar, who was sidelined for three months before the tournament due to a foot injury, got on the scoresheet in that victory.

Lugano – a 95-time Uruguay international – feels Brazil deserve to be favourites to win the tournament.

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‘I still think that Brazil, together with Spain, are the strongest team in the World Cup, and the most solid,’ he said.

‘I’ve never seen a Brazil squad so strong coming into a World Cup, with so many players.

‘They’re tactically organised like never before, physically strong and very solid mentally. Tite has done a great job with them.

‘I still think Brazil are the favourites to win this World Cup, even more with Neymar back to full fitness and playing again.’

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Not yet guaranteed a spot in the last 16, Brazil face Serbia in their final group game on Wednesday.