Fifa World Cup: Neymar denies injury play-acting accusations – ‘I just feel the pain’
Mexico coach says Brazil star’s dramatics are a ‘shame for football’ as World Cup criticism continues
Neymar has been accused of play-acting at the World Cup, but the Brazil star is now pleading his innocence.
The 26-year-old’s dramatics in the 2-0 win against Mexico drew criticism when he rolled around on the floor and screamed in apparent agony after Miguel Layun placed the top of his boot on his ankle.
“I just feel the pain,” Neymar said. “It’s complicated. It’s not something I can control.”
“I got stepped on unfairly,” he added. “I think it was off the ball, outside the game. I don’t think it should be done.
“But that’s the thing, they talked too much before the game – and now they’re going home.”
The Paris Saint-Germain striker scored Brazil’s opener against Mexico and set up their second goal, but the incident with Layun on the touchline overshadowed the positive aspects of his performance.