Friday’s quarterfinal match between Brazil and Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is anticipated to feature Neymar Jr. in the starting (December 9). The Selecao defeated South Korea in the Round of 16 with a decisive score of 4-1 to advance to the tournament’s semifinals.
Neymar suffered a big injury in the World Cup
The World Cup has not been kind to Neymar. Brazil’s opening match against Serbia ended with an ankle injury for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker. The striker missed the final two group games due to the injury.
However, the attacker was reinserted into the starting lineup for the match against South Korea and managed to get a goal as well. After 13 minutes, he converted a penalty kick to give his team a victory in the Round of 16 with ease. Even the 30-year-contribution old’s to Vinicius Junior’s first goal was an assist.
When Tite’s team faces Croatia, Neymar should preserve his spot in the starting XI since he appears to be in good health. The PSG striker may form a part of an attacking four with players like Vinicius Junior, Richarlison, and Raphinha.
What will be Neymar’s position?
Brazil’s star striker number 10 positioned himself as an attacking midfielder behind Richarlison during the match against South Korea. He might thus also be used in a similar capacity against Croatia.
While in the FIFA World Cup, Neymar has a great record against Croatia. In the World Cup group stage against Croatia, the former FC Barcelona striker scored twice. In a 2-0 victory in a 2018 international friendly against Croatia, he even scored a goal. After extra time ended with a 1-1 stalemate, Croatia defeated Japan on penalties to go to the Round of 16.
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