Brazil captain Thiago Silva said that Neymar gets special attention from defenders because of the skill he possesses. According to the Brazil centre-back, Neymar is ‘hard to defend’ and thus defenders resort to roughing him up.
Neymar was brilliant for Brazil yesterday, putting his mark on both goals. He scored the first after Willian drove into the box to put in a low cross across the face of the Mexico goal and then assisted Roberto Firmino’s goal for Brazil’s second as the Selecao marched to the quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio had suggested that Neymar exaggerated fouls during the match against Mexico, especially after Miguel Layun stepped on the Brazilian’s ankle. Silva felt that the rough treatment was nothing new for Neymar.
"This is normal because [Neymar] has many qualities," Silva told reporters. "The players who defend against him make fouls because it's always hard to defend Neymar and take the ball without fouling him. But it was a tough game."
Brazil will face Belgium in the quarterfinals – a side buoyed after coming back from two goals down against Japan to win the match.
Silva said he was aware that Brazil are the favourites for the match but vowed to work hard for the title.
Leave your comments