Neymar has declared himself fit and ready to lead Brazil against Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
Neymar scored the winning penalty against Chile last week, but was battered and bruised by the end of the second-round match in Belo Horizonte.
The Barcelona forward had to leave the pitch for treatment on two occasions after taking knocks to his knee and thigh. But Neymar is making good progress in his recovery and says he will be fit to play against Colombia in Fortaleza.
Speaking after participating in Brazil’s training session at their Teresópolis base, Neymar said: “I am able to play against Colombia. I have no pain. I feel very well in training and rest assured, I’m fine.”
Saturday’s penalty shootout win over Chile also took its toll on the players psychologically. Several of the Brazil squad broke down in tears after the 3-2 shootout win at the Estádio Mineirão.
As a result, the coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, decided to summon the team’s psychologist to the training ground at the start of the week. “The game against Chile was exciting for everyone,” Neymar was quoted as saying on the Brazilian Football Association’s website. “But the team does not have any emotional problem in the group.”
Brazil may still be favourites to win the World Cup, but the deficiencies in their team are clear. Their defence looked creaky against Chile and up front they lack a top-class striker to play alongside Neymar. So far, Fred and the former Manchester City striker Jô have been unimpressive.
All that means more pressure on Neymar but he has no doubts about his ability nor that of his team-mates.
“I do not feel burdened with the obligation to be the highlight,” he said. “I have colleagues who help me. Some win the ball, others give passes, others score goals. We are a team. It’s not about one player. Here the important thing is that Brazil are champions.”
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/football
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