NEYMAR ON TARGET AS BRAZIL EASE THROUGH
GLOBAL STAR SAYS HE IS NO DIVA AFTER RIDICULOUS REACTION TO FOUL
Neymar helped send Brazil into the quarter-finals of the World Cup before claiming his critics are trying to “undermine” him.
The 26-year-old scored one and made one as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in Samara, but his behaviour came under scrutiny again after he over-reacted to a 73rd-minute challenge from Miguel Layun.
The Mexico substitute trod on Neymar’s ankle, but Neymar’s reaction was exaggerated in the extreme as he writhed around on the floor.
Asked in his post-match press conference whether claims that he is a diva were unfair, Neymar said: “Look, I think it’s more of an attempt to undermine me than anything else.
“I don’t care much for criticism, not even from press because in a way this can influence athletes.
“I just want to play and help my team-mates. I have to help my team and that’s what I am here for, nothing else. I am here to win.”
Mexico started impressively, with Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano probing down the flanks and getting the better of their markers.
Lozano almost profited when Alisson failed to collect a second-minute cross, but Miranda sensed the danger well to block.
Javier Hernandez was then unable to get on the end of Lozano’s cross when unmarked at the far post.
Brazil concerned Mexico only once in the opening quarter, Neymar stinging the palms of Guillermo Ochoa from 20 yards.
But Brazil finally hit their stride as Neymar tricked his way past Edison Alvarez to force a smart save from Ochoa.
The pressure grew as Philippe Coutinho drove wide and Ochoa kept out Gabriel Jesus’ low effort, and it was Mexico who were relieved to hear the half-time whistle.
In the second half, Coutinho forced another sprawling save from Ochoa before Brazil struck.
Willian accepted Neymar’s back-heel to round Ayala and his inviting cross was turned in by Neymar.
The brilliance of Ochoa stopped Paulinho and Willian extending Brazil’s lead and Mexico were fortunate that substitute Miguel Layun was not sent off when he appeared to stamp on Neymar’s ankle, although the striker’s reaction was way over the top.
There was no referral of the incident to the Video Assistant Referee, but it did not matter as Firmino finished off Mexican hopes.