FLASHY NEYMAR GETTING SERIOUS FOR BRAZIL’S BID
Time is starting to run out for the golden boy yet to truly deliver, despite having a shot in Qatar at breaking Pele’s record
BY his own admission, this could be his last World Cup, which has only increased the expectation on him to lead Brazil to glory.
At 30, Neymar could have one more World Cup in him, but Brazil’s star player has raised the spectre of this being his final outing and is under even more pressure as a result.
However, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, one of the most gifted players of his generation, insists he is comfortable with the expectation and can carry the hopes of a nation.
“Pressure is not always easy, but it’s something I’m used to,” said Neymar. “I’ll do everything that I can for Brazil to be successful in Qatar. If there’s pressure on me, then that’s my responsibility to deal with it.
“Since I was a little boy this has been my greatest dream. I think it’s the dream of every player to win the World Cup with their country and for their people. My dream is still alive and we all hope 2022 is the year that dream comes true.
“For Brazil, the expectation is always the same and that is to win the World Cup. It doesn’t matter what the squad is, the expectation from the nation, from the fans, from football, is for Brazil to be victorious.”
Asked about the prospect of this being his last World Cup, Neymar said: “For now, the World Cup is so close that I’m just focused on being prepared.
“After the tournament will be the chance to think and to make decisions. For now, we are all focused on success.”
Failure and frustration have characterised Neymar’s previous two World Cups. In 2014 he suffered a fractured vertebra in Brazil’s quarter-final win over Colombia, ending his tournament before the crushing 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany.
In Russia four years ago Brazil came up short again, beaten 2-1 in the quarter-finals by Belgium. Neymar was denied an equaliser in added time by an outrageous save from Thibaut Courtois.
Neymar has alienated many neutral fans with his propensity for petulance and play-acting, traits which have often overshadowed his prodigious talent on the biggest stage of all.
Neymar’s ego and supreme self-belief will ensure he is not bothered by such perceptions, and he will focus on doing all he can to bring the trophy synonymous with Brazil back to its spiritual home for a sixth time, and the first since 2002.
“To get to put on the jersey of Brazil in a World Cup is always special,” said Neymar. “We all know what it means to the people of Brazil and it’s a big honour. We have players at this tournament who were not at the last one, who we know can score goals, can create goals, and that’s welcome. “More than that, these players have produced with their clubs and they can produce these big moments in the biggest games.”
An added incentive for Neymar at the World Cup is the chance to overtake Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. He is on 75 goals, two behind Pele, and admitted he is fuelled by the opportunity to overtake his legendary compatriot. “It’s hard not to think about it because it will be breaking the record of such a special player and such a special man,” said Neymar.
“I hope my team-mates can help me break the record and it would be something for me to celebrate – but, as always, it will be the team first.”