Neymar explains how SA and Brazil share similarities
Neymar explains how SA and Brazil share similarities
Brazil’s U23s are due to clash with Amaglug-glug at the Olympic Games on Thursday. Neymar has explained why Brazilian and South African football share some notable similarities.
Neymar explains how SA and Brazil share similarities
The Barcelona superstar will be a real threat to Owen Da Gama’s side in their Group A opener. He has made it clear that his team is playing for nothing but the gold medal itself. Also featured in the Group A are Iraq and Denmark.
“I expect to be able to represent my country really well and bring the expected gold medal, that we have never won in soccer,” Neymar told Soccer Laduma.
The star forward has enjoyed success previously against Bafana Bafana. He had played a starring role in a 5-0 victory in 2014. After the match, Neymar won the hearts of all the local fans when he lifted a young South African supporter into the air.
Neymar explained why he felt he identified with the young fan, saying: “I found myself in that kid. I’d always wanted to do that, break on to the field to hug my father when I was very young and my father played professionally and then, when I grew up, I got to embrace my idols.
“I got scared when I saw those guards trying to grab the boy and I wasn’t standing for it.”
The former Santos player feels that SA’s naturally skillful style of football should always be encouraged. He further added: “Joy and boldness in football always win in the end. People like to see the tricks and dribbles, and this ‘way’ will again prevail in football, I’m sure.”
“I think we have to see he is coming off a long holiday period and is regaining the pace of play,” said Micale, the coach talking about his star player.
