Five-time world champions Brazil opened their campaign with a bang with a 2-0 win over Serbia. Both goals came from Richarlison, who started as the number 9 for Brazil. While the first goal was well-worked, the 2nd one was pure magic from the Tottenham star. Despite the big win, Brazil fans don’t have much to cheer about as their star player, Neymar got injured during the game. He was by far the best player on the pitch, but had to be substituted by Tite.
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However, now Neymar has reportedly been ruled out for the remainder of the group stages due to his injury. This is truly as sad news for soccer fans. Neymar has been in top form this season and many expected him to carry the same form to the World Cup. However, now Brazil will have to play their next two games without him.
The 30-year-old PSG superstar has been an important cog for the Brazil team for around a decade. He helped them win the FIFA Confederation Cup and the gold medal at the Rio Olympics. The news of Neymar’s injury shocked fans, and they took to social media to express their thoughts.
Fans react to Neymar Jr’s injury update
Neymar, alongside Danilo, will not be featuring in the next group games for Brazil. This would require some major changes in the team’s lineup. Tite will now have a tough job in picking the next 11 for the game against Switzerland.
Following are some of the reactions to Neymar’s news:
What a cursed life man. Unreal.
— Ashwin Kumar (@ashwin_kumarV) November 25, 2022
Pliz tell April fools already it's not that funny. Cause it's not real right?
— hamza (@itsshamzaaaaa) November 25, 2022
This is really sad for football but as a Cameroonian, thank you
— Tommy💙❤️🇨🇲 (@lilTomndi) November 25, 2022
Luckily for Brazil their squad is stacked
— +61yard 🇺🇸 (@codesixonline) November 25, 2022
This is not good. Come ON.
— ABSOLUTE BITCOIN (@mazi_buki) November 25, 2022
I've fully accepted he and hazard are never going to be the same again https://t.co/jABq3tvE72
— Yësuye🇧🇪🇩🇪🇯🇵 (@cruelbandito) November 25, 2022
💔 ….He was looking very sharp last night https://t.co/YVchz3mW4U
— KISSIMOVIC🇨🇮 (@Kissimond) November 25, 2022
Unfair!!! Always happens to him. https://t.co/kCxbbBo9sM
— Anonymous analyser (@AAnalyser) November 25, 2022
People think he just flops, yall don’t see how every game they try to take him out https://t.co/0LxWF6S3lS
— Só Lóve (@brazi_kingg) November 25, 2022
https://t.co/Mv7ryRRqqR pic.twitter.com/LO2utV8Sve
— 🌚 (@SlickRickofMD) November 25, 2022
Brazil faces Switzerland in 3 days and has a stacked roster. They have an incredible roster depth, which makes them among the top contenders for the World Cup. However, Neymar is their best player and top soccer. Losing a player such as Neymar is a huge blow to their campaign.
Brazil in Neymar’s absence
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Tite has options on the bench such as Rodrygo, Antony, and Everton, among others. But they don’t have the same playing profile as the PSG superstar. It’ll be interesting to see how Brazil lines up against Switzerland.
Brazil and Switzerland, both have three points and the next game could decide their fortunes for the rest of the competition. Cameron and Serbia sit 3rd and 4th on the Group G table after losing their first game. Brazil will face Cameroon in their final group game of the competition on 3 December. If they manage to hold on till the final game and qualify for the knockouts, which is possible given their quality roster, Neymar will be back by the Round of 16 tie.
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Can Brazil win their next two games without Neymar? Let us know in the comment section below.