Football World Cup: “Will laugh in the final”: Neymar’s Seleção performs magic

Neymar delivered the most important message to millions of Brazilians with his widest grin. It was very early on Tuesday morning when the Seleção football superstar addressed his usual emotional compatriots.

First he thanked them in the catacombs of Stadium 974 in Doha for their support during his injury break of several days. Then his features relaxed. He had something reassuring to share.

“Everything will be fine,” said the 30-year-old after the furious 4-1 gala in the World Cup round of 16 against hopelessly overwhelmed South Koreans. This was followed by his most beautiful smile, which he also announced for the evening of December 18: “We will laugh in the final,” he concluded his statement. It couldn’t have been clearer. The forthcoming quarter-finals against vice-world champions Croatia on Friday (4:00 p.m.) should be just another step there.

Review by Keane

There should now be quite a few who accuse the Seleção of arrogance based on such statements. Roughly as ex-pro Roy Keane attested to their disrespect for the opponent because of their joyful dances after each of the four hits. But it’s not that easy. For 20 years, the Brazilians, who have been suffering since the 1:7 in the World Cup semi-final against Germany, have been waiting for their sixth World Cup title. They fear and hope with Neymar and Co. Even football legend Pelé, who is suffering from cancer, was feverish from the hospital in São Paulo.

The 82-year-old wrote on social media before the South Korea game that he once made a promise to his father. He also posted a photo showing him during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. There he won his first of three world titles at the age of 17. “I want to inspire you, my friends,” was his text to the current players of the Seleção. “That touches me very much. I wish him all the best,” said Neymar later. Shortly before, he had scored his 76th goal for the Seleção with a penalty (13th minute). He’s just missing one thing to catch up with Pelé.

Impressive lightness

His goal was the least spectacular of all four goals. The ease with which the Brazilians swept over the unfortunate Asians in the first half impressed not only ex-national coach Jürgen Klinsmann. “It’s wonderful to watch them,” wrote the 58-year-old, who was also at the stadium, in his BBC column. Before the first goal, Raphinha had picked up the pace on the right winger. He then put it across to Vinicius Júnior (7th), who deliberately flicked the ball into the right corner. On the third goal, Richarlison finished off a superb three-poster combination. Lucas Paquetá scored the fourth goal with a volley.

Every time after that they performed some bizarre dances. Once Richarlison even wanted to involve the visibly surprised national coach Tite. At this point at the latest, you could really feel sorry for the South Koreans. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing. I just can’t do it,” said former Champions League winner Keane. The Brazilians, in turn, defended their samba performances as an expression of joy. “We will keep dancing,” announced Raphinha. In any case, the Croatians will do everything to prevent exactly that.