NEYMAR’S CHANCE AT BEING REDEEMER
With Brazil among the favourites to lift the title in Russia, Neymar, being their biggest name, will be feeling the weight of expectations. With the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Philippe Coutinho and Marcelo in support, HT looks at Brazil’s make-up as they prepare themselves to face Switzerland in their first game on Sunday:
INSPIRED RETURN
Sidelined for over three months after fracturing his foot while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in February, Neymar’s participation in the World Cup had been matter of concern. But the 26-year-old made a steady recovery, returning to action in a warm-up friendly against Croatia, where he even scored after coming on as a substitute. Having found his scoring boots rather quickly, he also netted against Austria in the second warm-up match.
POINT TO PROVE
The 2018 World Cup will provide the world’s most expensive player an opportunity to finally prove his worth. Neymar may have won titles with Barcelona but Lionel Messi’s heroics rightfully took centrestage at the end.
Living under the shadow of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — both of whom are yet to win the World Cup — Neymar can make his mark if he can lead Brazil to the title.
GOOD ENOUGH
At only 26 years of age, Neymar is already Brazil’s joint third-highest goal scorer — behind only Ronaldo and Pele — proving that he has it in him to deliver Brazil the title this time. Before getting injured in the 2014 World Cup, he was involved in five of Brazil’s 11 goals (4 goals and 1 assist). Even in the 2018 qualifying, he was also involved in more goals than any other player with six goals and eight assists.
SELECAO FAVOURITES
Boasting of one of the most balanced squads, Russia 2018 is being seen as Brazil’s best chance to end their World Cup drought. Coached by Tite and led by Neymar, they are also expected to showcase their famous flamboyant style of play.
Their central striker, Gabriel Jesus, scored more goals than any other Brazilian player in World Cup qualifying, with seven goals. Coutinho and Marcelo will be expected to chip in attack while Casemiro and Paulinho will control the middle. Their goalkeeper Alisson is also one of the best in the world at the moment.
SWISS RESISTANCE
Switzerland’s record against Brazil is something the Europeans can be proud of. In their eight encounters, the Swiss have lost only thrice and won two times. Their main man, Xherdan Shaqiri (in pic) has been directly involved in five of Switzerland’s last six goals at major tournaments (4 goals, 1 assist). Before Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Spain on Friday, he was also the last player to score a hat-trick at the World Cup (v Honduras, 25 June 2014).