Mexican coach takes veiled dig at Neymar
MOSCOW • Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio is concerned about the kids.
With a goal and an assist, Neymar propelled Brazil into the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to a 2-0 win over Mexico that left Osorio steaming.
Osorio didn’t specifically name the Brazilian star following the loss, but it became clear he didn’t approve of Neymar’s play-acting and opined that young soccer fans need to stop being subjected to his antics.
“I think we did control the game, but unfortunately — and I think it’s a shame for football — we wasted a lot of time because of one player,” Osorio said.
“I think this is a real shame for football. We lost our style in the second half due to the referee’s style. I think there was too much stoppage. My players got more and more tired of that situation.”
Neymar opened the scoring in the 51st minute and provided the last pass for Roberto Firmino’s clincher in the 88th. Firmino tapped in from close range minutes after coming on as a replacement for Coutinho.
Neymar also extended his platform to show the world he is as good — or better — than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“I don’t much care for criticism,” Neymar said, “not even for praise.”
Brazil’s tallies made it the World Cup all-time scoring leader with 228 goals, surpassing Germany’s 226.
Osorio was particularly upset by a lengthy break that stemmed from one of his defenders appearing to step on Neymar along the touch line.
“There was a situation where there was a fourminute stoppage. I think this is a very negative example for the world and world of football and all the children following this game,” Osorio said.
When a Brazilian reporter came to Neymar’s defence post-game, Mexico’s head coach simply responded he “respected” her opinion.
Another journalist asked Osorio to describe what he saw during the incident.
“It’s very little contact,” Osorio said. “Every single time the referee stops the game.”
Brazil will face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday thanks to a stellar comeback.
Nacer Chaldi, who came on as a substitute in the 65th, scored in the fourth minute of injury time to give Belgium a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Japan.
Japan led 2-0 on early second-half goals by Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui.
Belgium is the first team to overturn a two-goal deficit in a World Cup knockout match since West Germany beat England in extra time at the 1970 tournament.