Neymar charms Brazil, antics annoy world
HISTRIONIC BEHAVIOUR Former greats slam Brazilian frontman for his antics but he shrugs off the condemnations claiming it’s undermining his performance SAMARA:Brazil
superstar Neymar brushed off his critics after firing the five-time World Cup winners to victory over Mexico on Monday and into a quarter-final showdown with Belgium.
Neymar scored one goal and created another as his increasingly impressive Brazil side overpowered the Mexicans 2-0 in sweltering conditions.
But Neymar’s sparkling performance was tarnished by yet another example of his tendency to overreact to seemingly innocuous challenges.
The latest chapter in a bulging catalogue of histrionic behaviour came in the second half, when Mexico midfielder Miguel Layun appeared to step on his ankle as he lay prone. Neymar writhed around and convulsed as if he had received an electric shock.
“I think it’s a shame for football,” Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio lamented afterwards, saying Neymar’s antics had wasted precious time.
“We wasted a lot of time because of one single player ... we lost our style in the second half, because of the referee. This is a very bad example for the world and the world of football.”
As social media platforms exploded with fans angrily accusing Neymar of cheating, former England striker Alan Shearer described the PSG star as “absolutely pathetic.”
“There is no doubting the ability of him. He is a magnificent player,” said Shearer, who is working for BBC. “But it really is pathetic when he is rolling around as if he is in agony.”
Yet Neymar shrugged off the criticism after his Man of the Match performance, claiming it was motivated to undermine me. “I don’t care much for criticism, or praise, because this can influence your attitude,” he said.
“In the last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because I don’t want to. I just have to play, help my teammates, help my team.” Brazil defender Thiago Silva meanwhile heaped praise on Neymar, who only returned to playing shortly before the tournament following an injury layoff of more than three months.
“It’s magnificent how he’s playing, especially after three and a half months on the sidelines,”
PSG teammate Silva said. “It’s very difficult to come back the way he’s done.”
Against Mexico, Neymar burst into life after Brazil weathered early pressure from opponents determined to end a 32-year wait to reach the quarter-finals.
With only two goals, Neymar is lagging well behind England star Harry Kane’s tournamentleading tally of five goals.
But Silva is hoping Neymar emulates the recent feats of other Paris Saint-Germain clubmates Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe on his way to taking Brazil further.
THE PENALTY CLAIM
The match against Costa Rica was poised goalless with just 10 minutes on the clock when Neymar won a penalty after falling to the ground in agony following a slighttouchbyGiancarlo Gonzalez. Referee Bjorn Kuipers checked with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to realise the Brazilian was exaggering it and overturned his decision. Neymar was lucky not to be booked for simulation.
ROLLING AROUND
In Brazil’s final group game against Serbia, Neymar became the topic of several memes after he was fouled on the touchline by Adem Ljajic. While Neymar was initially sent tumbling by the Serbian, he continued to roll down the sideline about five or six times, propelled forward by the apparent pain.
THE LAYUN INCIDENT
In the 72nd minute against Mexico, Neymar clashed with substitute Miguel Layun on the touchline. With the Brazilian already on the ground, Layun appeared to gently step on the Brazilian's ankle and Neymar responded rather theatrically, holding his ankle and pleading repeatedly. Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi though, decided against punishing either player. Numerous people, including ex-stars, tore into Neymar after the latest incident, with their memes, videos and comments making him a trending topic on social media. Manchester United legend Eric Cantona (right) mocked Neymar for his antics with a video for Eurosport, likening the Brazil star to a suitcase on wheels that “turns and turns for hour” on slightest touch. He ended the video with some advice. "By the way Neymar, you are a great player. And a great actor. But be careful with your continuity mistakes. If you are hit on your right shoulder, you cannot be hurt on your left cheek!"
RIVALDO
V TURKEY IN 2002
With Rivaldo demanding the ball, Hakan Unsal petulantly kicked it towards him, hitting the Brazilian on the leg. Rivaldo collapsed, holding his face as though he had been punched. The Korean referee fell for his theatrics and handed Unsal a straight red. Rivaldo was later fined $7,350 by FIFA.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
I think we controlled the game mostly and unfortunately — and it is a shame for football — we wasted a lot of time because of one player. There was a four-minute stoppage at one point and this is a very negative example for the world of football and all the children who are following the game. This should be a strong sport, a man's sport. I think there shouldn't be so much acting. JUAN CARLOS OSORIO,
Mexico manager V MOROCCO IN 2018
With Morocco proving a tough customer for Portugal, Ronaldo tried to gain an unfair advantage, falling to the ground and seeking a penalty. He tumbled down despite there being no contact whatsoever and further more, he motioned to the referee that he wanted the incident reviewed on VAR. The official did not fall for it.
JUERGEN KLINSMANN
V ARGENTINA IN 1990
The German forward earned a dubious penalty when he was caught by Argentine defender Pedro Monzon. He launched himself in the air and went rolling across the turf. His acting fooled the referee who sent off Monzon. Neymar has the lowest pain threshold of any player in
World Cups since Opta stats began.
GARY LINEKER, former England captain
"There is no doubting the ability of him. He is a magnificent player. But it really is pathetic when he is rolling around as if he is in agony."
ALAN SHEARER, former England player
RESPONSE ON THE PITCH
Neymar has been one of the few big stars remaining in the World Cup, netting twice and assisting once already.
The PSG player was pivotal in Brazil 2-0 win over Mexico in their round-of-16 match.
NEYMAR SO FAR
Matches: Shots: Chances created: Goals scored: Fouls suffered: