DOHA, Qatar | So Neymar? To play or not to play? This question was the most frequently asked in a crowded room at Brazil’s pre-match press conference on Sunday.
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Thiago Silva was harassed with questions and so was coach Tite. He tried to make as clear as possible the case of his superstar, who picked up an ankle injury against Serbia and missed the last game of the group stage against Cameroon on Friday.
“He will train this afternoon [dimanche] and if things go well he will play tomorrow. It’s specific training, but I don’t want to say more because I don’t want to say anything that isn’t true.”
If he can play, the Paris Saint-Germain striker will definitely be in Tete’s starting XI.
“There is a price for being the best team, but never a player’s health. I prefer to use my best players from the start.
hurt others
In addition to Neymar, there are other injuries in the Brazilian camp. Friday’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon didn’t just hurt the scoreboard.
Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus both suffered knee injuries and the Brazilians announced on Saturday their tournament was over.
Even before the start of the World Cup, rumors were circulating that Gabriel Jesus was injured. It was enough for Tete to ignite.
“I don’t like to hear such terrible lies. We will never play for victory by endangering a player.
“I tell the person who is telling falsehoods to do something else. Arsenal have an excellent medical team and we act ethically too.”
doubt
Brazil fans are passionate but also seem to live with the uncertainty when their side stumble, as they did against Cameroon.
That 1-0 defeat raised doubts in the country and Thiago Silva felt the need to reassure everyone.
“I insist our last game has nothing to do with the round of 16.
We played a good game, we could have won it, we created chances, but sometimes it happens. We take our responsibility seriously and move forward.”
It has to be said that Tete had made some changes since his team was assured of qualification.
“The technical staff thought about it and decided to rest the players. It would have been different if Cameroon had scored two goals or if the other game had ended differently.
And Korea
With this in mind, Brazil meet South Korea in the round of 16 tonight. Because there’s a matchstick behind all this drama. Yes, South Americans like telenovelas and the Brazilian team is a bit like that.
“I think we’re in good shape for the Korea game, but don’t expect it to be easy. The Koreans had a very strong group and were able to reach the round of 16, so they have our full respect,” said Silva.
South Korea finished second in Group H with a win, a loss and a draw.
He was asked to talk about a few Korean players, but didn’t reveal much aside from coming up with their names.
“The Koreans are very good at passing and we have to limit their attack. We have to be careful because they are technically good.”