Strikers double brings relief to host country as does the referees leniency in opening match of World CupHe was the first Brazilian to score (at the right end) at the World Cup, the first Brazilian to be booked in the World Cup and he also scored a decisive penalty. He trotted round in a corona of attention, always demanding the ball, taking every corner and free-kick, the demands of his country that he should win them the World Cup apparently loud in his ears. Yet this wasnt a convincing performance, either from Neymar or Brazil.
This is supposed to be Neymars World Cup, just as the Confederations Cup was Neymars tournament. When the teams were read out before kick-off, it was his name that got by far the biggest cheer. He has largely been kept under wraps by Brazils media machine, before being chosen as the player to sit alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari at the pre-match press-conference. His performance there was immensely impressive: relaxed, confident and good-humoured exactly what youd hope for from the king-in-waiting.
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This is supposed to be Neymars World Cup, just as the Confederations Cup was Neymars tournament. When the teams were read out before kick-off, it was his name that got by far the biggest cheer. He has largely been kept under wraps by Brazils media machine, before being chosen as the player to sit alongside Luiz Felipe Scolari at the pre-match press-conference. His performance there was immensely impressive: relaxed, confident and good-humoured exactly what youd hope for from the king-in-waiting.
Continue reading...
More...