Fifa World Cup: Neymar’s emotional fragility could damage Brazil chances as critics attack ‘crocodile tears’
Brazil media criticise Neymar for crying after Costa Rica win while his teammate Thiago Silva is ‘very upset’ after star forward swore at him
Brazil’s inability to keep their emotions in check contributed to their spectacular implosion at the 2014 World Cup, so the worry is that once again the pressure might prove too much for the ‘Selecao’ in Russia.
The enduring image of the 2-0 win over Costa Rica that kick-started their campaign in Saint Petersburg last Friday was Neymar’s tears at full-time, after he scored the goal that clinched the victory.
The world’s most expensive player is carrying the weight of the nation on his shoulders, and only recently returned from three months out after a foot operation.
However, seeing Neymar cry also brought back memories of Brazil’s unravelling as hosts four years ago.
Then, Thiago Silva and Neymar were among the players who memorably broke down in tears at the end of their penalty shoot-out win over Chile.