In Summary
However, the image of a weeping and clearly hobbled
Neymar, having receiving numerous heavy challenges throughout the game,
begs the question how long Brazil can continue to depend solely on the
Barcelona man in attacking areas?
Fortaleza. As Brazil erupted when Chile’s
Gonzalo Jara struck the post to hand La Selecao an agonising passage to
the World Cup quarter-finals on penalties, their star player Neymar
collapsed in the centre-circle in tears.
His reaction a mixture of joy, relief and
exhaustion, the 22-year-old is carrying the burden of a expectant nation
of 200 million people as well as anyone could have hoped.
He has scored four times in as many games and also coolly slotted home Brazil’s fifth and final penalty in the shootout.
However, the image of a weeping and clearly
hobbled Neymar, having receiving numerous heavy challenges throughout
the game, begs the question how long Brazil can continue to depend
solely on the Barcelona man in attacking areas?
“We really suffered. It was pure emotion. My tears after the game were of happiness,” Neymar said after the Chile game.
“Today I had everything. I took a knock, I had cramp. Now all I want to do is rest.”
Neymar will be fit for Friday’s quarter-final
against Colombia, the Brazilian Football Federation have confirmed
despite injuries to his thigh and hamstring.
Who will start alongside him remains a question
though as neither of their two principal centre-forwards Fred and Jo
have impressed in the competition so far.
Fred does have one goal to his name, a header from
point-blank range into an empty net against Group A whipping boys
Cameroon, but was dragged off for Jo with Brazil in need of a goal
against both Chile and Mexico.
The Fluminense striker has come in for some fierce
criticism, most notably from former England captain and fellow number
nine Alan Shearer.
“I just don’t understand why Brazil are still picking him,” Shearer said after Fred’s first two disappointing performances.
“He doesn’t move, he doesn’t shoot and he’s
dragging the team down. I don’t know if Brazil should change the system
or play Neymar as a false nine, but the fact is that Fred is not the
answer for what they are doing now.
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