It was almost a made-to-measure start for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar – but only almost. Shortly before the final whistle, superstar Neymar had to leave the field injured, memories of the 2014 World Cup are awakened.
It was a bit tedious, but in the end it was convincing: Brazil started the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday evening with a 2-0 win over Serbia – also thanks to a dream goal from Richarlison. But the Seleção could have paid dearly for the victory, because superstar Neymar had to leave the field in tears in the 79th minute. The 30-year-old was fouled nine times in the game by the Serbs, who sometimes attacked Neymar with excessive force. The result: Neymar left the field limping, his ankle was cooled with ice packs while he was still on the bench. Later, a photo of the badly swollen ankle also appeared in the photo agencies.
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” said defender Alex Sandro in the Lusail Stadium interview zone after the game. Neymar limped out of the arena, but coach Tite gave the all-clear: “We are confident that he can continue to play in this World Cup. He will continue this World Cup!” Neymar also spoke later on Instagram, posting a picture of a book page with a quote. “Have faith” is the title of the philosophical piece that is intended to give fans hope for a speedy recovery. “To believe that everything will be good despite the chaos. That is the certainty that the best is yet to come. It is the understanding that everything has its time,” it said, among other things.
MRI should provide information about Neymar’s injury
However, it is still unclear how serious the striker’s ankle injury is. An MRI on Friday should provide information about the injury, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar previously spoke of a sprained right ankle. “We now have to wait 24 to 48 hours before we can say more. We don’t have an MRI appointment yet.” The Brazilians, who are considered favorites for the World Cup title, play their next game against Switzerland on Monday.
Neymar’s injury brings back bad memories for the Brazilians. Led by their superstar, the Seleção stormed through the tournament at the 2014 home World Cup before Neymar was fouled by Colombia’s Juan Zúñiga just before the final whistle in the quarter-finals and fractured his third lumbar vertebra. Without their star player, Brazil lost 7-1 to eventual world champions Germany in the semifinals and also lost the third-place match to the Netherlands 3-0.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
