Neymar-less Brazil seeks title comfort
Print Edition
STILL coping with the loss of its biggest star, Brazil is trying to find ways to remain upbeat about its World Cup prospects.
The medical helicopter that took Neymar home with a back injury also carried away much of the country’s hopes for a sixth world title, but the tournament isn’t over yet and Brazil is just days away from a difficult semifinal against Germany.
“We have to try to be mature in a moment like this,” defender David Luiz said. “We are sad because we are missing an important player and someone who was trying to fulfill his dream of winning this title.”
One of the tournament’s main attractions, Neymar had been decisive for Brazil until the devastating injury late in the team’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the quarterfinals on Friday. He was crucial on the field and an essential part of the group trying to win the title at home. He was seen as the joyful youngster, admired by everyone.
Brazil doctor Jose Luiz Runco said the players were “shocked and saddened” when they heard Neymar would miss the rest of the World Cup. Now, it will be up to coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to find a replacement for the 22-year-old striker and to keep the team in contention for a sixth world title.
One way for Brazil to try to stay positive may be to look to its past.
It’s not the first time Brazil’s national team lost its best player to injury during the World Cup. It happened to Pele and Brazil still won the title in 1962.
When Pele hurt a muscle in the second match of the tournament in Chile, most in Brazil said the chances of a world title had diminished significantly. But the team won its next four matches to clinch its second consecutive trophy.
“I hope the same will happen with our Selecao in this World Cup,” Pele said.
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