Brazil lost in a thrilling encounter against Croatia yesterday. Neymar Jr scored a brilliant goal to give Brazil the lead towards the end of the first half of extra time. Unfortunately for him and Brazil, Croatia equalized just before the 120th minute through Bruno Petkovic. Brazil lost after Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their penalties while all of Croatia’s players scored.
Luka Modric consoled several Brazil players after Croatia advanced to the World Cup semifinals ❤️
Respect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/N8lhFvmYYJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 9, 2022
Neymar has indicated in the past he might retire after this World Cup. He cited the heavy mental toll international soccer takes on him. Neymar is one of the most successful players for Brazil individually. He has scored 77 goals for Brazil in 124 appearances, equalling Pele‘s record. He is also Brazil’s 4th highest goal scorer in World Cups with eight.
Neymar hinted 2022 might be his last World Cup
Speaking in 2021, Neymar hinted the 2022 World Cup might be his last. Neymar faced heartbreak at the 2014 and 2018 World Cup, and yesterday’s loss to Croatia was another harrowing defeat. Speaking about his future in 2021, Neymar said, “I think 2022 will be my last World Cup. I will play it like it is the last because I don’t know if I will still have the mental strength to put up with even more soccer.”
Neymar denies it’s already decided that it was his last World Cup: “It’s too early to say that. I’ve no clear ideas yet — I can’t guarantee anything”, Ney told @geglobo. 🚨🇧🇷 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/UijUjnHF4P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2022
But speaking after last night’s match, Neymar neither confirmed nor denied he would be retiring from international soccer. “I can’t guarantee anything. I’m still messed with the elimination. My head is still hot, I’m not thinking straight. To say that this is the end, I would be rushing myself but I also don’t guarantee anything,” he said after the match.
Brazil’s oldest captain, Dani Alves did confirm this World Cup would be his last but wants Neymar to continue. “This World Cup was my last one, for me, it’s time to say that. But I don’t think it will be the same for Neymar. He’s great, Brazilian soccer needs him to keep going,” he said to the media after the match.
Is Neymar done with the Brazilian soccer team?
Neymar has faced a lot of difficulties in his international career. In 2014, he suffered a horrible back injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. Brazil were knocked out in the semi-finals by Germany. In 2018, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by a strong Belgium side. He has been knocked out in the quarter-finals yet again.
Dani Alves was consoling Neymar after their loss against Croatia 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/CCZnywVked
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 9, 2022
Neymar has not retired from international duty just yet, but it would be hard for him to not win the World Cup despite giving his everything. It is clear that the World Cup is what Neymar wants and is still playing for. For PSG, he reached the final of the Champions League, losing to Bayern Munich. His career seems to have been full of heartbreaks at the final hurdle.
It remains to be seen whether he will be back for international duty, but he has not called it quits just yet.
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