Brazil hit hard on Sunday for its first preparation match for the World Cup. Opposed to Panama, the Seleçao recorded a large victory (6-2). Despite the equalization of their opponents after Vinicius’ early opener, the Brazilians continued thanks to Casemiro (38e), Rayan (52e), Lucas Paqueta (59e), Igor Thiago (62e) and Danilo (80e).
Several players were missing, including Marquinhos and Gabriel, who faced each other the day before in the Champions League final, but also Neymar on the sidelines due to a calf injury contracted during his last match played with Santos.
On the eve of the Brazilians’ departure for the United States, the former Parisian also received a standing ovation from the supporters present at the Maracana when he came out onto the pitch while his teammates were preparing to warm up. And it was the same at the end of the match, the spectators singing “olé, olé, olé, ola, Neymar, Neymar” in tribute to the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian selection.
“He will stay with us until the day he is recovered and available”
However, Brazilian supporters will have to be patient before seeing Neymar at work. The native of Sao Paulo should be absent for another fortnight and will therefore miss the first match against Morocco. However, there was never any question for Carlo Ancelotti of sending him home when the diagnosis was made.
“To be clear, he will stay with us until the day he is recovered and available, said the Italian technician. We believe he can be reinstated for the first game. If he can’t, it will be for the second game. We have no doubt that we will not change anyone. The selected players are these 26, and these are the 26 who will play in the World Cup. Unfortunately, Neymar had this little problem which prevented him from training with the group, but he is in very good shape on an individual level. »
