Neymar injured his ankle in Brazil’s World Cup opener and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament, but he returned against South Korea.
Neymar led Brazil to a stunning victory over South Korea before admitting he was worried his World Cup was over.
The PSG forward injured his ankle in Brazil’s first game and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament. He recovered in time, however, to score his 76th goal in a Brazilian shirt from the penalty spot as South Korea were thrashed in Stadium 974. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Tottenham’s Richarlison, and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta also scored as the Selecao won 4-1 on Monday. Paik Seung-second-half ho’s consolation goal was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless night for the five-time world champions.
Brazil arrived in Qatar as the favorite to win the tournament, and their campaign is back on track now that Neymar has recovered from injury in time for the knockout stage. “I had a very difficult night after I was injured,” Neymar said. “I was having negative thoughts and was worried about not being able to play in the World Cup again.”
“When I couldn’t find any messages of support, I drew strength from them.” I can express my gratitude through my performance. I’d like to thank God for giving me the strength to return to the field. I’m overjoyed to be back. “I’m pleased with how well I performed.”
Neymar was also relieved to escape the 4-1 victory unscathed and is fit to face Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday. “I didn’t feel any pain in my ankle and was pleased with my performance and our performance,” he continued. But we can’t be completely satisfied because we need to grow as a team. I want to do everything in my power to help the team win this tournament; that is our mission and our dream.”
After the final whistle at Stadium 974, Brazil players unfurled a banner honoring Pele, who was admitted to end-of-life care over the weekend. According to reports in the 82-year-old’s home country, he has become unresponsive to the chemotherapy that has been used to treat his bowel cancer.
Neymar is one goal away from equaling Pele’s tally of 77 goals in a Brazil jersey, and he will be hoping to do so as he seeks his first taste of World Cup glory. Brazil manager Tite used third-choice goalkeeper Weverton against South Korea, demonstrating the Selecao’s depth. Tite has used all 26 players in his squad in Qatar.