It was a major letdown for Brazil and Neymar when they hosted the last edition of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 but couldn’t win it.
Even though Brazil had an unforgettable journey right till their quarterfinals against Colombia, what followed that victory was a nightmare for all Brazilian football enthusiasts.
Now they are in Russia this year, with a more challenging and exciting squad which could take them all the way to the top of the World in Moscow. So let’s have a look at how Neymar might be successful with Selecao this time in Russia.
He Is In A Better Form
Neymar took the world by storm via his world record transfer from Barcelona to PSG in August 2017. His sensational switch turned the attention of the world to French football.
The flamboyant Brazilian made his debut for Les Rouge-et-Bleu in August away from home against Guingamp, where he scored one and set up another in their 3-0 away victory.
Neymar, who loves to play through balls, cut inside and dribble past the opposition, was excellent in his first season with the Paris club. The former Santos star netted 28 goals and made 16 assists in 30 matches for PSG across all competitions last season.
He found the back of the net twice in Brazil’s recent friendlies against Croatia and Austria just before the World Cup.
He was the Man of the match on 12 occasions for PSG last season. Neymar clearly stood out from the rest of his PSG teammates in his debut season and mesmerized the French football faithful with his magical footwork. Neymar comes into the 2018 FIFA World Cup in top form and will be unstoppable in Russia.
He Would Want To Do What He Couldn’t Four Years Ago
Neymar is a naturally talented player and we all know he really wanted to win the title at home four years ago. The scars of that horrible injury against Colombia and the 1-7 humiliation at the hands Germany, will remain fresh in his mind.
So expect him to come out all guns blazing when he takes on the field wearing the prestigious ‘captain’s armband’ for the most successful nation in the history of world football – Brazil.
The Pressure On Him Is Considerably Less This Time
Even though Brazil had several big names in their 2014 World Cup squad, they were highly dependent on Neymar in almost all matches to deliver in front of the goal.
Though he did his best for Brazil, scoring four goals in five appearances (three group matches, Round of 16 and quarterfinal) that won him the Bronze Boot for tournament’s third highest goal scorer, it wasn’t enough for the Selecao who missed him the most in the semi-finals.
But this time, with players like Philippe Coutinho, Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Douglas Costa, the pressure on Neymar to deliver won’t be the same.
These players have the capability to step up and aid Neymar to play his natural game without single-handedly carrying the burdens and expectations. This will surely bring the best out of one of the best players in the world.
He’s More Mature This Time
Neymar in Brazil four years ago is undoubtedly different from the Neymar the world will witness in Russia. In 2014 he had just a year of experience at a massive club like Barcelona, whom he joined in 2013.
His highly successful four year stint with the Catalan giants, where he played alongside some of the best in the business has made Neymar a more mature and better player.
The La Liga experience will provide rich dividends for the Brazilian in crunch situations, as far as he is fit and raring to go unlike the 2014 World Cup.
Now with the Captain’s armband, he needs to be more mature and responsible to carry Brazil’s rich legacy forward.
So now we can therefore totally expect a fresh and mature Neymar to take Brazil all the way to the top of the podium at the Luzhniki stadium on July 15.