What does Neymar mean to Brazil right now? One thing seems clear to everyone: Neymar has always held a significant place in the hearts of the Brazilian fans.
Brazil 's victory was clearly a huge step forward, not only in terms of the score but also in the team's style of play, a far greater improvement than in the previous two matches. But on Wednesday night, his name was mentioned throughout Brazil, in the major cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, even more than the victory itself. In many other countries, it's hard to understand this. How can a 34-year-old player, who has long struggled with injuries and is no longer playing at the highest level, let alone representing the national team, still be so highly anticipated and idolized? But Ancelotti understands that Neymar is like a religion in Brazil, and no one can remove him from this World Cup.
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Neymar smiles after coming on as he plays in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Scotland in the final matchday of Group C. Photo: AP |
His love for the national team is greater than ever. It's called a powerful but blind love. A true champion, pampered and unconditionally loved, a man nearing the end of his career, and now, after 981 days without a single minute of playing for the Brazilian national team, he's back, moved to tears, and the whole of Brazil is moved by this moment, because this is exactly what they've been waiting for. They want to see Neymar play in his fourth World Cup , equaling the great Pele. They want to see Ancelotti give him a chance and believe that, with his innate talent and the class of a star playing in his final World Cup, he will explode and carry Brazil to the "Hexa" (sixth World Cup title) that Brazilians have been waiting for 24 years. In Italy, people say it's sad for Roberto Baggio, because despite the people's pleas for his return to the national team, Giovanni Trapattoni has stood firm. In Brazil, Ancelotti knows how to please everyone.
The scene many witnessed at the Brazil-Scotland match wasn't the 21 minutes he was on the pitch (including injury time), with a few brilliant passes and frequent turnovers, but the moment he broke down in tears at the end of the game. His tears were hidden under his jersey as he wiped them away, in a very family atmosphere. He held his son, Davi Luca, then went to hug his father. Afterward, he went to his current family, his partner Bruna and his two young daughters, Mavie and Mel. “My heart was pounding like crazy. Wearing the Brazil national team jersey is the dream of any Brazilian boy. I missed the team so much, I really wanted to come back. I was emotional in the locker room, I cried alone because I wanted to relive all these football emotions,” he said on Globo television.
In his 16 years with the national team, since his youth at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Neymar has never been a substitute. In the match against Brazil, he was brought on by coach Ancelotti after Brazil had already taken a 3-0 lead. Coming on in the 76th minute, he only needed half a minute to touch the ball for the first time, then he ran a lot, dropped deep to receive the ball and even took a shot. In general, in 21 minutes on the field, there wasn't much to be memorable, but for the Brazilian people, that was enough; they saw him on the field at this World Cup. They love him so much that they are willing to forgive his public expression of admiration for Lionel Messi, whom he considers a friend, while Brazilians consider him an enemy, because Messi plays for Argentina, Brazil's arch-rival.
Now, how to use Neymar is up to Ancelotti. Brazil is preparing for their Round of 32 match against Japan. Regarding the use of Brazil's most beloved player, the Italian coach likely has plans in place. First, he called him up while he was still recovering from injury, then he imposed very strict internal rules on him, prohibiting his attendants from being near him and forcing him to play as a false number 9 rather than on the wing. Brazil's number 10 is still not at his best physical condition and form, but he still receives immense admiration and respect from his teammates, who regard him as a saint. He has scored 79 goals for the national team, more than both Pele and Ronaldo. But for Coach Ancelotti, that's not enough; Neymar must follow his rules.
Perhaps coach Ancelotti calculated that, sooner or later in this World Cup, Neymar might get a starting spot, but the best solution would be to bring him on as a "savior" when there are 15-20 minutes left in the game and Brazil is struggling. For now, it's difficult to leave Matheus Cunha out of the starting lineup, as the Manchester United striker is shining.
Match schedule for June 27th 7:00 AM, Group H: Cape Verde-Saudi Arabia; Uruguay-Spain 10:00 AM, Group G: New Zealand-Belgium; Egypt-Iran  Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.  Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.  Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao. |
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/ngay-neymar-tro-lai-va-no-nu-cuoi-1046374
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