Neymar Jr. has been in the news for all the wrong reasons at the on-going FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The Brazil superstar has been accused of excessive diving and on-field histrionics several times at this year’s World Cup and people aren’t happy. Despite scoring a goal and assisting Brazil in their 2-0 victory over Mexico to barge into the quarterfinals, Neymar attracted criticism when he was seen writhing on the floor, seemingly in agony, after Mexico’s Miguel Layun had made slight contact with his ankle.
“We had control of the match, but to me it is just shameful that so much time could be lost over one player,” the Mexican coach was quoted as saying by ESPN. “The delay for one player lasted four minutes, and that is a lesson for even children who play. This should be a game of men and not so much clowning around.” Neymar, however, shrugged it off after he earned a man-of-the-match for his performance and said, “I don’t care much for criticism or praise, because this can influence your attitude.”
Earlier, Neymar, the most expensive player in the world, took a tumble against Serbia and proceeded to roll over several times. The roll, that has already inspired a thousand memes, came in the first half against Serbia on a tackle that led to a card, but probably wasn’t quite as dramatic as Neymar made it out to be.