The 79e minute of this Brazil-Serbia surely caused cold sweats to an entire country. While the victory was almost won against Serbia (2-0), Thursday, November 24, during Brazil’s first match for this World Cup, Neymar suddenly collapsed on the ground. He held his right ankle, after a clash with Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic. The replays also showed a slight twist at the joint.
FORCA, NEYMAR! ??? As imagens assustam, mas vamos torcer pra que não seja nada demais! #TNTSportsNoQatar Credit:… https://t.co/DHGpWFrx1o
Rodrigo Lasmar, member of the Seleçao medical staff, confirmed after the meeting on Brazilian radio Itatiaia that the player suffered from a sprain. “We haven’t had time to do a more complete assessment yet, but the ankle has already swelled up a bit. It’s important to wait for the first twenty-four hours. We will see how the ankle will react. Now it’s just a matter of calm and a little patience. »
“Neymar will play again in this World Cup”
It is now a whole country that holds its breath, before knowing the duration of unavailability of the technical leader of the Seleçao. Facing Serbia, it was his teammate Thiago Silva who came to take off his shoe to better see the extent of the damage. And it was a limping Neymar with a swollen ankle who left the Lusail stadium.
He returned to the bench, before hiding his face with his jersey. Several Brazilian media have also claimed that the player was in tears on the edge of the field. What is certain is that he ended the meeting seated, head bowed, face buried under his yellow tunic.
“We are confident, Neymar will play again in this World Cup”nevertheless launched the coach Tite, in a firm tone.
The Demons of 2014
An action that undoubtedly awakened the old demons of the quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup, played in Brazil, against Colombia, during which “Ney” left the lawn of the Castelão de Fortaleza stadium in tears. Victim of a nasty blow from his opponent Camilo Zuniga in the lower back, he said goodbye to competition and his dreams of winning at home.
Everything was going well for the five-time world champion, however, largely dominating against Serbia. And even if the South Americans only forced the decision in the second half thanks to a brace from striker Richarlison (62e and 73e), the troops of coach Tite have never been worried.
? ❌ Neymar boxes on returning to the locker room ?? @telefoot_TF1 / @TF1 https://t.co/5lw0aSyJAd
Deprived of their Turin duo Filip Kostic-Dusan Vlahovic, left on the bench, the Serbs showed too much tenderness and clumsiness on the offensive level. The addition could have been much more salty, without the six saves made by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Despite some poorly traded stocks. Neymar appeared very leggy, author of rides of which he alone has the secret. He touched 81 balls, the third-best total in the game, and had three shots on goal. He is also at the origin of the opening of the score.
While he is in the running to beat Pelé’s record if he reaches the three goals during this World Cup, his injury worries a whole country. Brazil can take a big step towards the round of 16 if they win against Switzerland on 28 November. With or without Neymar.