As expected, Brazil made it to the quarter-finals against South Korea and made their debut at the World Cup in Qatar. Neymar’s return gives the ‘Selecao’ the boost they need.
Even FIFA seems to have been pleased that Neymar celebrated his comeback after his ankle injury in the round of 16 against South Korea (4-1). There is no other way to explain why the world association gave the Brazilian superstar an assist when he set Neymar to assist Vinicius Jr. in the 1-0 lead.
Raphinha had previously crossed and became the most expensive footballer in history (Paris St Germain paid 222 million euros for him in 2017) almost missed the ball when trying to score his first goal of the tournament, but touched it slightly – which the officials actually found was enough for a goal assist.
Tite needs Neymar for the title
What is undisputed: Neymar’s return (“I was very worried and worked with the physios until 6 a.m. every morning“) moved the Brazilian team. They got through the group stage without shine after the attacking artist was injured in the first game against Serbia (2-0) – now the “Selecao” was shining again. One goal more beautiful than the other, garnished with After Richarlison made it 3-0, even coach Tite swung his hips.
Tite’s mission: to become world champion
The 61-year-old only has one modest mission: to become world champion. The record champion (five titles) has not managed to do this since 2002. Tite will retire after the tournament in Qatar and he will only be given a happy farewell if he is to step down as world champion. “This is our big dream. We have to go step by step now, we’re still three games away. We’re mentally completely fixed and ready for the title“said Neymar.
Five magicians inspire Brazil
At Sugar Loaf, they feared that his team would approach this goal with pragmatism. The Brazilians scored just three goals in the group stage, their lowest level in 44 years. On Monday (December 5th, 2022), on the other hand, people celebrated on the streets at home with their stars and were happy that, in addition to the creative post-goal dances, samba football has also returned to the “Selecao”.
The collective stands above solo artist Neymar
This happened to Neymar, but not necessarily just because of him. It was collective magic, not a one-man show. The 30-year-old had the most shots on goal (three) in the terrific first half, the most ball contacts of the offensive artists (39), won 64 percent of his duels and made almost 90 percent of his passes – for the oh and ah moments Richarlison, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta also provided the same.
Pelé cheers – and keeps his record
The Brazilian idol Pelé must have been happy about the enthusiasm of this offensive quintet. The 82-year-old, who is suffering from cancer, encouraged the “Selecao” with an Instagram post before the game, wrote: “I want to inspire you, my friends. I’ll be following the game here from the hospital and I’ll be cheering on each and every one of you. We are on this path together.“
This additional motivation of the three-time world champion (1958, 1962 and 1970) seems to have reached the current generation of the Brazilian national team. Individual cabinet pieces, team dream combination and callousness – Neymar’s team embodied what Pelé stood for in his active days.
When even a penalty kick is fun…
Perhaps what is perhaps the best soccer player in the world to date will have been a little pleased that Brazil were not even more successful against South Korea. Because that’s how Pelé remains the Brazilian who has scored the most goals for the national team. He scored 77 times for the Selecao, Neymar is now 76 after his penalty goal (his seventh goal at a World Cup) to make it 2-0.
Even that penalty kick was Brazilian art. Neymar tripped, delayed, looked up at the opposing goalkeeper and slid the ball in in slow motion. This shows class, self-confidence and lightness. And above all the latter brought Neymar (was substituted after 80 minutes) back into the Brazilian team.
“PELE!”
After the game it got depressing for a moment. Neymar stomped onto the pitch in flip-flops with Casemiro and a banner in hand. The entire team gathered there and spread the banner with the large letters “PELÉ!” out, plus a jubilant picture of the former exceptional striker. They all hope that they can celebrate Brazil’s sixth World Cup title together just before Christmas.
“It’s not easy for me to talk about it, I don’t know what to say. That touches me very much and I wish him all the best. I hope that he recovers quickly and that he was happy about our victory. That would be the most important thing for me“said Neymar.