Neymar's Impressive Comeback against South Korea after Ankle Injury
Brazil star Neymar has celebrated his return to training as he steps up his recovery from injury - with the forward in line to make his comeback on Monday night against South Korea in their last 16 World Cup tie.
Neymar made a charismatic comeback to the team after sustaining an ankle injury, which forced him to miss Brazil’s crucial Group G matches at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Before the round of 16 match against South Korea, Neymar’s participation was in doubt but just a day before, Brazil coach Tite confirmed the star player’s fitness.
As a result, Neymar-starrer Brazil hammered South Korea 4-1 to set the quarter-final clash with Luka Modric-led Croatia.
The PSG forward had only recently returned to training after being sidelined with an ankle injury just one game into this winter's tournament.
There had been reports that Neymar may have even struggled to return in time to complete the tournament, but he made his comeback on Monday evening in style, scoring from the penalty spot in an emphatic win for Brazil.
Speaking to the media post-match, Neymar said many thanks to those who have helped him recover so quickly, and praised the efforts of his teammates after such a resounding victory.
Brazilians feared the worst when Neymar picked up an injury during their World Cup opener against Serbia. The Paris Saint-Germain forward's ankle was the size of a cricket ball after he suffered the knock, leaving his participation in the tournament in doubt.
Yet Neymar handed Tite a boost ahead of Monday's game by passing a fitness test. That allowed the Brazil boss to deploy an ultra-attacking starting XI that included Richarlison, Vinicius, Paqueta, Raphinha and Neymar. Not ideal for the South Koreans.
Tite's side needed just seven minutes to find the net. It was a lovely move, as Raphinha danced past two defenders before drilling a menacing ball into the middle. Neymar failed to get on the end of the cross, but that just allowed Vinicius to take advantage.
The Real Madrid forward took a touch, stroked the ball past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and danced with his team-mates in celebration. The goal felt inevitable, as if Monday was going to be a very long night for South Korea. That turned out to be the case.
Merciless South Americans
Brazil refused to show mercy as the game approached half-time. The fourth man to score was Paqeuta, who finished off a ridiculously-good counter-attack from Tite's side. South Korea knew they were in trouble when Neymar found Vinicius on the left flank.
Legend makes history
Brazil's dominance allowed Tite to give Dani Alves a historic run out in the second half. The right-back, who plays for Mexican side UNAM, became the second-most capped player in Brazil's history with 126 senior appearances and their oldest World Cup player at 39.
The second half wasn't as pulsating as the first, seeing as Brazil's quarter-final spot was all but confirmed. There were still a handful of noteworthy moments, though, including Alisson's superb one-handed save to deny Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan.
The Liverpool goalkeeper didn't manage to keep a clean sheet thanks to Paik's deflected long-range effort, which pulled one back for South Korea. Alisson was then subbed for Weverton to allow the Palmeiras goalkeeper to make his World Cup debut, meaning every member of Brazil's squad 26-player squad has featured in Qatar.
There were no more goals after Paik's strike, much to South Korea's relief. Croatia were delighted after their victory against Japan, but they'll be fearing the worst ahead of Friday.