NEYMAR STEALS THE SHOW
Brazil coach hails match-winning return of star player
NEYMAR proved his fitness for the World Cup with an explosive return to action that left Brazil manager Tite stunned as the superstar’s superb strike inspired Sunday’s 2-0 win over Croatia.
Sidelined for 98 days after breaking a metatarsal and spraining his ankle while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in late February, Neymar had confessed to concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
But, after appearing as a halftime replacement for Fernandinho, Neymar eased his country’s fears by scoring a magnificent individual goal in the 68th minute at Anfield.
Tite couldn’t believe what he’d just seen from the striker in his first appearance for over three months.
“For the first match back I actually expected less from him! I would have been happy with a quieter performance,” Tite said.
“What he did was really extraordinary. Neymar is an extraordinary individual talent but the goal he scored came from a move, a build-up, involving the whole team. He’s aware of what they bring to him.”
Tite, who has now led Brazil to 16 victories in 20 games in charge, was understandably keen to focus on his team’s efforts, rather than Neymar’s solo contribution.
But he knows the world’s most expensive footballer is destined to steal the headlines from his side’s impressive World Cup warm-up victory.
“In terms of scoring, the responsibility doesn’t just fall on his shoulders,” Tite said. “He just has to keep working hard, like he is doing, working for the team and keep the team at the forefront of his mind.”
Neymar said he was “very happy” to have made a goal-scoring comeback, but insisted he was only firing at “80 per cent.”
“It’s been three months that I’ve been injured,” said Neymar, with the World Cup to start in Russia in 10 days.
“To come back and do what I love the most, playing football, and furthermore to score a goal, is an immense joy. I’m very happy.
“I still feel a little pain, but that’s normal when you spend so much time not walking. I feel at 80 per cent of my capacity.”
After his goal, Neymar made sure to head to the Brazil bench to embrace team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated on his foot fracture three months ago.
“It was to thank him. Not only Lasmar, but also Rafa and Rica (his physiotherapist and physical trainer). They’ve been there 24 hours a day with me.
“I want to thank all the people who’ve been important for me.”
Brazil have returned to train in London, where they have been using the facilities of Premier League club Tottenham, before moving on to Austria to face the hosts in Vienna in their final friendly this Sunday.
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino sealed the win for Tite’s side with a dinked finish in stoppage-time as Brazil confirmed their credentials as one of the favourites to win the tournament.
The visit to the north-west of England may also prove memorable for Neymar’s teammate Fred, the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder who is on the brink of a transfer to Manchester United.
Reports in Brazil suggested Fred was leaving his national squad and making the short trip to Manchester in readiness for a medical and to complete the signing for the Premier League club.
Tite declined to reveal whether that was the case, but did confirm that talks are on-going and urged United and Fred to complete the business as quickly as possible.