The Neymar paradox is that for Brazilians, he has been both their greatest hope, and greatest aggravation in a generation. If he has done little to endear himself to his countrymen in the build-up to Qatar, they now find themselves anxiously awaiting news of a severely swollen ankle following the diagnosis that he will play no further part in the group stages.
Tite is adamant that his World Cup is not over, despite a “lateral ligament injury to the right ankle, with a small bone swelling” that threatens to curtail his efforts to surpass Pele on two fronts. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is two goals behind the veteran’s all-time tally for the Selecao, but of greater significance are his efforts to guide Brazil to World Cup glory.
Even if he achieves both, he knows he will never be held in the same esteem. At Russia 2018, his theatrics became a source of exasperation even to Brazil fans. Yet in their Qatar opener against Serbia, nine times he was felled – and eight he got back up. Photos he has since posted on social media of his badly damaged foot suggest he had good reason to hobble off.
Brazil believe he is being targeted and Tite has called for referees to be firmer. “If you want to celebrate the football, you have to pay attention to the fouls,” he said.
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“They focus on specific players. This is the effect. This has to be stopped.”
Unlike in 2018, however, Brazil’s aspirations do not rest on Neymar alone. Richarlison’s brace against Serbia was proof enough, but he is set to be joined by Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha in attack. Of that trio, Guimaraes’ progress arc is the most surprising.
It is the reason Newcastle shirts are suddenly to be found in the crowd at Brazil games, including the one worn by his mother. Signed with the holes in central midfield in mind, he has added goals to his game since moving to St James’ Park (eight in 29 appearances so far) – and it is hoped he can emulate his club form as Brazil’s No 10. If Richarlison has grown into the role of “R9”, Guimaraes has similarly big shoes to fill if his playmaking is to fill the void left by Neymar.
Tite was guarded about whether he would turn to the Newcastle talisman, and there is little need to give too much away given the number of options Brazil can call upon.
As Casemiro pointed out, “we have other players who are playing well: Vinicius, Raphinha, Richarlison, [Gabriel] Jesus, Rodrygo, [Gabriel] Martinelli”.
The Manchester United midfielder still had an air of resignation about losing his side’s “best player”, despite such a “range of options” to replace him.
“We can’t stop talking about Neymar,” admitted Casemiro. “It’s just how important he is to us. He’s our biggest player, the difference for us, but we have a lot of other very good players too. Rodrygo, for example, lights up the eyes and delights everyone who sees him play.”
The fact Brazil are such heavy favourites, aided by Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia, does not depend on Neymar alone. How much they miss his influence depends on whether Guimaraes, Vinicius and Raphinha can dismantle Switzerland in his absence.
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