by Attending a samba event in Brazil, Neymar shed tears for his distraught teammates after Brazil was eliminated by Uruguay on Saturday night in the Copa América quarterfinals in Las Vegas.
The team and its all-time leading scorer will be less dependent on one another in two years, but they will be crucial to each other if they want to change the outcome at the next World Cup.
Looking forward, both Brazil and Neymar are now. There aren’t many indications right now that Brazil and Neymar will get back together in time to have any real impact.
Neymar tore his ACL in October of last year, meaning he will never play in the Copa. Due to a suspension, Vinícius Junior, who led Brazil with two Copa goals, was unable to play in the Uruguay quarterfinal. In addition, teenage sensation Endrick was unable to find the net during the competition.
Brazil was not expected to win a trophy for the first time in 17 years going into the Copa. Not without Neymar, not with Argentina, the reigning World Cup champion, and not with the side ranked sixth in South American World Cup qualifying. However, it wasn’t what was expected to lose to 10-man Uruguay, be outplayed by Colombia, or end in a goalless tie with Costa Rica.
In a rare public remark, the Brazilian Football Confederation acknowledged the team’s shortcomings on social media on Monday, writing, “They have said that we are done before, but trust me when I declare that we shall triumph once more.We possess the highest winning percentage of any national team in the competition’s history. Nevertheless, we have also lost before.”
Brazilian pundits are questioning the suitability of coach Dorival Júnior, who has been in the position since January, to lead the process.
Former Brazil player Júnior, a TV Globo pundit, stated, “We need to speed it up after this Copa América because we are starting (World Cup preparations) now.” “Many of the same players and the same coach have led France for years.”Spain started off pretty similarly to us and is currently in the lead. Despite its advanced age, Argentina remains a formidable opponent. Brazil is lagging far behind.”
Reminiscent supporters cite 2001 as evidence that Brazil can quickly turn things around. Honduras eliminated Brazil, led by new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, from the Copa quarterfinals that year. Supporters thought Brazil had little chance of winning the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan after the humiliation.
Despite missing that Copa, Brazil’s then-star Ronaldo recovered from his second ACL injury and helped the team produce their sixth World Cup star after a team restructuring.
At the Copa, a number of Brazil players ruined their aspirations for 2026. Some players, including midfielder João Gomes, defender Danilo, goalkeeper Alisson, and forward Raphinha, did not perform up to par, and their positions are now under further strain.
After the team’s quarterfinal exit, Danilo commented, “It was an honor for me to be with this squad; there was a lot of work, professionalism, and effort.” “This young group demonstrated their potential for success. All I ask is for a little more tolerance from folks.”
The 32-year-old Neymar has grown even more polarizing at home as he heals from his ACL injury. He got into arguments with politicians, football players, and celebrities. His return to the national squad was met with opposition from supporters.
Neymar, however, was the largest Brazilian winner from the ongoing event and is still crucial to the team’s future, according to Brazilian observers, despite the team’s dismal performance at the Copa.
Coach Júnior told ESPN that Neymar is and will always be one of the best players in the world of soccer.We must wait patiently for him to return to his peak. We shouldn’t rush anything; he is a crucial player for us, so we should give him enough time.”
Neymar is unlikely to return for the next two World Cup qualifiers in September, a CBF source told The Associated Press. The insider spoke under the condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to discuss the topic in public.
Junior predicted that Brazil will be far stronger at the World Cup, whether Neymar is playing or not.
“In two years, those who are talking too much may have to swallow yet another significant victory for our national team,” said the coach. “Remain composed and patient while we continue to improve our work. Although this is a process, I wish I could have performed better in this Copa América.”
