Tite shields ridiculed star Neymar, who’s back in form

Brazil’s team effort against Belgium is key, coach says

Kazan, Russia – Brazil coach Tite has defended Neymar from criticism over his histrionics on the pitch and said he was just happy to have the team’s talisman playing “at his best” ahead of tonight’s quarterfinal against Belgium (8pm).

Neymar has scored two goals in Brazil’s four matches, but he has been slammed by soccer pundits across the world for diving and rolling on the ground theatrically in Russia.

He has, however, also suf- fered a disproportionate number of fouls in the tournament so far, with a tally of 23.

“I’ve already talked about Neymar and I’ve been very specific about what happened,” said Tite. “You should look at the videos. All you have to do is look at the images.

“What makes me happy is to have him playing at his best. It’s not just with the ball, it’s not just dribbling. There are actions, there are transitions, defensive transitions and if you look, you see how much he has contributed.”

Tite confirmed that left-back Marcelo would return to the starting side in place of Filipe Luis after the Real Madrid defender missed the 2-0 win over Mexico through injury.

Fernandinho is also expected to replace the suspended holding midfielder Casemiro who picked up a second yellow card against Mexico.

The dominant win over the Mexicans cemented Brazil’s status as favourites to win a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy, but Tite said it would take a whole team effort to get past Roberto Martinez’s Belgium and their array of attacking stars.

See pages 33 & 39