Brazil making sure Neymar stays quiet
MOSCOW — It shouldn’t be a surprise that Brazil, not just the national soccer team but the entire country, is protective of Neymar.
After all, the last time it played a World Cup game without him, it was humiliated 7- 1 by Germany on home soil in one of the most devastating defeats in its history.
That bitter memory from the semifinal four years ago is still fresh. Who knows if the injured Neymar could have made any difference, but Brazil is taking no chances this time. It has gone into full- on “coddling” mode. After the superstar forward came under fire for his elaborate diving, faking and playacting during the Round of 16 victory over Mexico, Brazilians have closed ranks around one of their most cherished sons.
Critics of Neymar have been swarmed on social media, from media pundits and former players to Mexico’s Miguel Layun, whose powder- puff tread on Neymar’s shin provoked a squealing, writhing reaction on the turf.
Neymar has, according to “Marca,” been kept away from all media duties, despite being the figurehead of the team and its most popular member, specifically to shield him from tricky questions about his antics in Russia.
Ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal with Belgium, the player’s father, Neymar Santos Sr., reportedly ordered his son’s friends not to respond to any critical messages on Twitter in the hope that the controversy dies down.
Meanwhile, there has been a pro- Neymar offensive from within the camp and among those closely associated with it. Neymar’s onfield behavior seems to be having the opposite effect of what is intended. Referees, perhaps wise to his constant shenanigans, have become more circumspect in awarding him free kicks, to the point where several legitimate fouls against Mexico went unpunished. It is hoped that the charm attack provides an antidote.
“I am against all these opinions [ on Neymar acting],” Brazil World Cup legend Ronaldo said. “He is an intelligent player in his movements and on how to defend himself from being tackled.
“I don’t think referees have been protecting him enough. When people repeatedly hit me, I would feel a sense of unfairness. Criticism is nonsense.”
Other players on the squad also have chosen to focus on pro- Neymar comments, even more so than discussing the impending game against a tough and determined Belgium side.
Brazil is the favorite virtually every time it plays in a World Cup, and that will be the case again, but Belgium, a popular outsider pick pre- tournament, is seen as having a viable shot at an upset.
“We know what we are capable of, but Brazil are the favorites,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said. “But it is a dream match for our players.”
Martinez did not specify how his team would try to combat Neymar, but a tough and rugged approach can be expected. Neymar has been the most fouled player at the tournament but has also, according to British newspaper The Sun, spent a total of 14 minutes lying on the turf clutching some body part or other.
There are two sides to one of soccer’s brightest stars, but Brazil’s desperation for a sixth world title is such that it is more than happy to overlook his shortcomings.