On November 25 (Beijing time), Brazil, the top team in the Qatar World Cup, made their debut. Brazil is currently ranked first in the FIFA world rankings. Brazil’s first match is against Serbia, a formidable opponent.
Fans are focusing on Brazil closely, but they are also more interested in Neymar’s performance as the team’s star player. Neymar will soon turn 30 years old. Questions have been raised about Neymar’s motivations for leaving Barcelona and joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Some fans were not pleased with Neymar’s alleged diving and tumbling during the World Cup. At the same time, Neymar’s apparent weight gain after joining Paris, which appeared as a slight belly bulge, raised suspicions.
There is no denying Neymar’s talent, and he has long been regarded as the “third football player in the world” after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Finally, 30-year-old Neymar rose to the top of his profession in the World Cup, scoring 15 goals and dishing out 12 assists in the first 20 matches.
When the match started, Brazil gained possession in a more practical manner. Neymar, as always, was closely guarded by the opposing team and was repeatedly violated.Neymar did not shine through the first half except for one direct attack. In the first half of the match, Serbia had only one shot on goal, while Brazil had only four. Brazil upped the tempo of their attack after the match’s second half got underway, and the team quickly created some solid chances. Regrettably, Rafinha again missed a single, and Neymar’s attempt was high.
Brazil finally scored in the 62nd minute when Vinicius’ shot was saved and Richelissen converted. Richarlison scored twice in the 73rd minute from Vinicius’ assist with a perfect stop and volleying side-hook. After sealing the win, Tete made changes to his line-up, with Neymar and Richarlison both substituted. Neymar sat on the ground and shook his head before going off. By the end of the match, Neymar was in tears.
With a thick ice pack already strapped to his ankle, Neymar sobbed more while sitting back down on the bench. Despite Brazil’s impressive 2-0 victory over Serbia, Neymar was forced to leave the match with a serious ankle injury.
And then the scores came out. Neymar scored 6.2 points for giving away 26 of his three shots on goal and converting nine of his 20 attempts. That’s the lowest score in his team at present! To be honest, this kind of play is a little confusing. However, Richarlison scored 2 goals on 3 shots, 2 on target, and earned 8.4 points, the highest score in the match!
Neymar was a significant factor in Brazil’s victory over Serbia even though he did not score or provide a direct assist. Neymar’s contribution to the team is obvious to everyone as he attracts several defenders from the opposition and gives his Brazilian teammates more room to shoot and control the ball. Neymar sustained injuries as a result of Serbia’s aggressive tactics to halt his advancement.
Tete does not believe Neymar’s injury is severe enough for him to continue playing at the World Cup. Fans believe Neymar can sit out or be a substitute for the remaining two group games, though. Brazil’s strength and form should leave no room for doubt in the group stage. Brazil won’t have much of a problem facing off against Switzerland and Cameroon without Neymar in the starting lineup.
Neymar won’t have to risk playing if Brazil can jump out to big leads in these two group matches. Neymar’s return to the Brazilian team in the later knockout games is a wise decision, just as the so-called good steel should be used effectively. Given that Brazil is the overwhelming team to win the World Cup, Neymar must be eager to participate in every game.
Brazil coach Tete will decide in the coming days whether Neymar will participate in the next round, depending on his recovery from the injury. Vinicius and Richelissen will have to put in more effort if Neymar is unable to play in the remaining two group matches. Neymar is anticipated to make a speedy recovery and continue to represent Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.