It was Neymar’s third World Cup defeat, and his only victories with Brazil were at the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where Brazil won its first soccer gold medal. Dani Alves, Neymar’s teammate, accompanied him as he left the field, tears still streaming down the Brazil forward’s cheeks. Neymar was crying while seated near the midfield with his head down and his face hidden, and other players had already tried to console him.
They couldn’t say much to get the team’s best player to raise his head. Neymar once more experienced disappointment rather than joy at the World Cup’s conclusion. Once more, he was unable to lead Brazil to a major title. It was his third World Cup defeat, and his only victories with Brazil were at the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where Brazil won its first soccer gold medal. Neymar stated that now was not the appropriate time to discuss his future with the national team.
I honestly do not know what will transpire. He stated, “It’s hard to talk about it right now.” It would be premature to declare this to be it, but I cannot guarantee anything. I need to give it some thought for a while. I don’t say I won’t return to the Seleço, but I also don’t guarantee that I will. Neymar equaled Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals on Friday, but the Seleço lost to Croatia in the quarterfinals 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 after extra time.
Neymar never got an opportunity to take a punishment after Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their spot kicks. Tite, the Brazil coach, stated, “He would have taken the fifth penalty.” That player will be under the most pressure, and he will be the one who is mentally and physically ready to take the shot.
To match Pelé’s record, Neymar scored in extra time with a right-footed shot after dribbling past the Croatia goalkeeper and through the defense.
When he returned from an ankle injury, he scored his 76th goal against South Korea in the round of 16 of the tournament, just two goals short of the milestone. From Neymar’s hospital bed in Brazil, where he was receiving treatment for a respiratory infection that was exacerbated by COVID-19, the 82-year-old Pelé demonstrated his support for Neymar. He wrote on Instagram, “We both know that this is more than a number.” As athletes, our greatest duty is to inspire others.
Inspire our current teammates, future generations, and, most importantly, everyone who enjoys our sport. Kid, you made it there. That demonstrates how great your accomplishment is.” Brazil was close to reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2014, but substitute Bruno Petkovic from Croatia scored in the 117th minute, making Neymar appear distraught from midfield. Additionally, Neymar did not participate in the tournament’s final four, which Brazil hosted eight years ago.
After his team lost 7-1 to Germany, he sustained a serious back injury in the quarterfinals against Colombia. Neymar, a 30-year-old Brazilian, scored 77 goals in 124 games. Between 1957 and 1971, Pelé made 92 appearances for the national team, scoring three goals. With 62 goals in 98 games, Brazil’s 2002 World Cup champion Ronaldo ranks third. Pelé has won three World Cups, winning one in 1958 when he was 17 years old.
Additionally, he assisted Brazil in winning the World Cup in 1962 and 1970. In 2010, when he was 18 years old, Neymar made his debut for Brazil. Other than Pelé and Ronaldo, he is the only other Brazilian player to have scored at three World Cups. Neymar harmed tendons in his lower leg in Brazil’s initial win against Serbia, and his support in the remainder of the competition was uncertain in light of the injury.
After missing two games in the group, he returned to the starting lineup and played about 80 minutes in Brazil’s 4-1 victory over South Korea on Monday. The forward has suffered issues with his right ankle in the past, one of several injuries since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He was forced to miss the 2019 Copa América, which Brazil won, due to another injury to his right ankle.