Neymar’s tears raise fears for Brazil’s resilience
BRAZIL’S inability to keep their emotions in check contributed to their spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, so the worry is that once again the pressure might prove too much in Russia.
The enduring image of the 2-0 win over Costa Rica that kickstarted their campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar’s tears at fulltime, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory.
The world’s most expensive player is carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders and only recently returned from three months out after a foot operation.
However, seeing Neymar cry also brought back memories of Brazil’s unravelling as hosts four years ago. Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who memorably broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shootout win over Chile.
At the time, some sections of the media labelled the team crybabies, and 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto accused them of not being mentally tough enough. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari even brought in a sports psychologist to help the squad.
That campaign ended with a 7-1 capitulation against Germany in the semi-finals, and in Russia it is vital current coach Tite keeps a lid on emotions. GRAHAM Arnold doesn’t officially take over as Socceroos coach until after the World Cup, but the former Sydney FC mentor has been keeping a close eye on the players he’ll soon be leading.
Arnold’s national team appointment was confirmed in March, but the former Sydney FC boss has been in Russia for the past fortnight following the Socceroos as a fan.
He has been to the two group games so far in Kazan and Samara and will be in the stands for Tuesday’s mustwin final match against Peru in Sochi.
Arnold has declined to speak about the Socceroos while in Russia out of respect to the team and temporary coach Bert van Marwijk, who will leave his post after the tournament. Former Socceroo Mark Bosnich, who has been travelling with Arnold as part of the Fanatics tour, admits his 54-cap former teammate has rarely switched off his football brain.
“I haven’t watched a game with him, but I’ve spent a bit of time with him here,” Bosnich said.
Bosnich said that reaching the round of 16 would match the 2006 World Cup as the Socceroos greatest ever achievement and joined those calling for Van Marwijk to play Tim Cahill against Peru.
“In the second game, Denmark were out on their feet. The last 10-15 minutes was the perfect opportunity to play Tim Cahill,” he said.