If anyone is qualified to analyse the Brazilian national team’s situation, that man is Ronaldo Nazario and his two World Cup titles in four appearances, and the ex-striker’s focus was on Neymar. The Canarinha’s talisman wasn’t able to deliver the breakout World Cup performance that many were hoping for.
“We expected more from him because he’s the team’s star. I don’t know if it was the foot operation or something else, but I felt we was limited by something. He’s still young, very talented and has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, but he has to learn.”
Ronaldo, who as a player also received plenty of contact from rival defenders due to his explosive nature was able to shine a light on Neymar’s diving controversy. I asked him five years ago and he explained that on many occasions when he’s kicked he reacts in that way so that the blow isn’t greater,” Ronaldo confessed. That also happened to me, I felt that I was treated unfairly when I was kicked and they wouldn’t blow the whistle.”