Neymar’s foul “must stop”, says Brazil boss
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Brazil coach Tite says Neymar’s high foul count “must stop” after the striker was injured in their group stage win over Serbia.
Neymar appeared to be crying on the bench after being substituted in the 80th minute with a sprained ankle.
The 30-year-old received a strong tackle from Nikola Milenkovic a the victory by 2-0 Thursday.
“If you want to celebrate football, you have to pay attention to fouls,” said Tite.
“They focus on specific players. That’s the effect. That has to stop.”
Since his first World Cup in 2014, Neymar has been fouled 53 times in the competition, at least 11 more than any other player.
He was fouled nine times against Serbia, more than any other player in his first game in Qatar.
Neymar will miss Brazil’s remaining group stage games, but Tite said he was confident the Paris St-Germain forward would play again at the World Cup.
“I believe in Neymar and [injured defender] Danilo will play in the World Cup. I’m not in a position to talk about it [medical information]” said Tite.
“I can say that, not only for Neymar, but also for Danilo, both of their situations have evolved, but we believe that both will be available to play in the World Cup.”
TEAM NEWS
Brazil are still without Juventus defender Danilo, who also picked up an ankle injury against Serbia, as well as Paris St-Germain forward Neymar.
Swiss striker Renato Steffen remains a doubt with a muscle injury.
DATA OF THE MATCH
- The two previous World Cup meetings between Brazil and Switzerland have ended in draws (2-2 in 1950, 1-1 in 2018).
- Brazil are unbeaten in their last 16 World Cup group stage matches – no team has ever gone 17 unbeaten in the competition’s group stage.
- Switzerland are looking to win their first two matches at a World Cup for the first time.
- Richarlison has scored nine goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions for Brazil.
- Breel Embolo has scored in three of his last four games for Switzerland.
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