Silva backs Neymar to be Brazil’s golden boy

Defender expects team-mate to follow the lead of fellow PSG players in last-16 tie

Thiago Silva has backed Neymar to follow in the footsteps of Paris St Germain team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani by shining in the knockout stages.

Brazil forward Neymar came into the tournament lacking fitness following a foot injury and scored once during three group games.

Fellow PSG players Mbappe and Cavani were instrumental in their countries reaching the quarter-finals on Saturday, each scoring twice as France knocked out Argentina and Uruguay saw off Portugal.

Brazil face Mexico in the last 16 of the competition today and defender Silva, who plays with all three in Paris, believes Neymar could replicate the exploits of France forward Mbappe and Uruguay striker Cavani.

“Yesterday, when the (France and Uruguay) games were over, I thought the same thing, that Neymar will have his way in our match,” said Silva at Brazil’s pre-match press conference.

“They (Mbappe and Cavani) were both fundamental for the victories.

“I think Paris St Germain is very well represented (at the World Cup), but now we are talking about the Brazilian national team and I think our team is very balanced.

“In the right moments, we have the right freedom for the strikers to do what they do best.

“We hope tomorrow is going to be a great and Neymar is inspired as well as the other players.”

Left-back Marcelo will be absent for the five-time champions in Samara after he was forced off injured in the final group game against Serbia, with Felipe Luis set to deputise.

Mexico helped eliminate defending champions Germany in the group stages as they reached the last 16 for the seventh successive World Cup.

They appeared on course to top Group F before a 3-0 defeat to Sweden in their third match left them in second place and facing a tough tie against Brazil.

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio described Brazil as the best team in the world, but insists his players will attack, despite the tricky draw.

“We won’t sit back and wait, Brazil’s attackers are too good for that to be the right plan,” said the Colombian.

“We will stick to our idea of having at least four or five attacking players.

“I really think this is going to be a great opportunity for Mexican football to face, in the round of 16, the best team on the planet.

“And I think that we will have to play to our full potential.

“It’s going to be a great game, especially for the neutrals.”

Picture: Getty Images. Neymar is still working his way back to full fitness after a foot injury.