There won’t be a happier man than Neymar on the planet right now, after he made a return from an ankle injury to guide Brazil into the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The winger had suffered a possible World Cup-ending injury in the opening game itself against Serbia, and had missed the remainder of the group stage in a bid to recover in time. However, just before Brazil’s Round of 16 clash against South Korea, rumours of Neymar being ruled out of the entirety of the World Cup were making rounds.
But here he was at the Stadium 974 dancing with his teammates every time Brazil scored a goal against the Asians, as they thrashed them 4-1 to book a quarterfinal berth. Neymar first set-up Vinicius Jr’s opener in the 7th minute, and the scored from the spot six minutes later to double his side’s advantage. Brazil went on to add another two goals in the first half through Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta, as a dejected South Korea could only manage one in response in the 76th minute. Neymar and co are now into the last-8, as the elevated PSG player talked about the win and his injury after the game.
Neymar talks winning the title and his comeback from the ankle injury
As they are always labelled at every major tournament, Brazil were once again carrying the tag of ‘the pre-tournament favourites’ in Qatar. However, the pressure was this team to deliver at a FIFA World Cup finals is at the tipping point, since the record world cup winners haven’t lifted the golden trophy after their 2002 triumph. Moreover, its the last chance for players like Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and even Neymar, who had stated that this could be his last ever World Cup tournament, to win the cup.
He has the chance now to win the World Cup, and itch his name in the history books. However, his dream was dealt with a massive blow even before it came full circle, after he sustained a recurring ankle injury against Serbia, forcing him to sit out his side’s group stage campaign. With doubts over his participation in the remainder of the tournament, he answered the call of duty by returning for the last-16 clash, and firing Brazil through. He now has his eyes firmly set on the bigger prize as he told SporTV after the game:
“We’re dreaming of the title, of course but we have to go step by step. Today was the fourth game, there are three left. We’re very focused on getting that title. Being called the ‘man of the match’ is somewhat difficult because everyone played well. We need to commend all the players. We wanted to move to the next round and that’s what we did, the fans are having a wonderful party and we need to thank them.”
On his injury, and how he felt after it threatened to end his World Cup, Neymar added:
“I didn’t feel any pain in my ankle [during the South Korea game] and my performance was very good, so I am happy. [But] For sure, there was a lot of fear (about the injury). I had been doing very well, a very good season, and to suffer an injury like I did is very hard. I spent the night crying a lot, my family knows, but everything worked out. It was worth it, worth the effort. I stayed up to 11 in the morning that day treating with the physiotherapist, and on the other days up to 5-6 in the morning. All the suffering is valid so that we can crown a title.
“When I got injured a thousand things happened: doubts, fears… and I had all the support from my teammates and family. I received good messages, sending good energy. This comforted me a lot. I thank those who prayed, sending messages. I can’t thank you enough. Now I will do everything for the national team to win, I am here with this mission.”
Surely, Neymar seems like a man on mission to steer his nation to glory in Qatar. 2018’s beaten finalists Croatia now stand between Brazil and a semifinal spot. Croatia’s wizard, Luka Modric too is gracing his last ever FIFA World Cup tournament, and is leaving no stone unturned to emulate what his side achieved four years ago in Russia. But he knows his side doesn’t share a good record against Brazil at the World Cup, having taken a 3-1 beating in their last match against them at the 2014 edition’s opening game.