I am totally disappointed that Neymar is out of World Cup due
to intentionally inflicted heavy injury on him by the ruffian type of Colombian
defender Juan Zuniga. It was surprising to see that the match referee failed even to show
Yellow card to the offender. This shows the laxity on the part of the Referee and
as a matter of fact so far in this World Cup refereeing was not up to the mark.
Minus Neymar much of the glitter not only of Brazil but also
of the remaining part of the World Cup will be lost. His graceful play and
sprinting with the ball were just the thrillers to watch. His running capacity
with the ball makes him another Ussain Bolt on the football field. This sprinting capacity gave an added booster
for his otherwise excellence in playing excellent soccer especially in defense splitting passes.
So far, Brazil looked heavily depended on him and in his absence the
home team will find it extremely hard to overcome the challenge of their opponents
Germany which is a very organized team having a very good disciplined team work. In 1994 when Maradona was evicted from the World
Cup for the intake of Drugs the beauty of that tournament was lost because in
his absence people lost the opportunity to get them entertained further by any
other player. In the same manner, in this tournament with the exit of Neymar we
lost the opportunity to see him entertaining the soccer fans from the soccer
field. I only hope he recovers fast.
In 1966 World Cup held in England, Brazil returned home
miserably because it then depended too much on one player Pele and when he was ruthlessly
injured by the Bulgarians and Portuguese, Pele failed to produce his magic and
hence Brazil came home empty handed. In
order to amend this mistake in the next World Cup in 1970 at Mexico the new
coach of Brazil Mr. Saldanha prepared a totally new look team comprising number
of Peles to diminish the over dependence on one real Pele. Hence came the stars
like Jairzinho, Dr. Tostao, Rivelino, Gerson, Clodoaldo, Carlos Alberto and others who produced
the best ever team on this planet that finally won the Jules Rimet trophy for the third
time for Brazil and to keep it permanently for Brazil.
Unless miracle takes place and in view of the absence of
Neymar on whose feet the greatness of Brazil revolved, Brazil will not survive
the onslaught of Germany in the semi-final. In 1962 Brazil in the absence of injured Pele, had second Pele in Garrincha
to gain them the victory but in this edition there is no second Neymar. Hence the
situation for Brazil against Germany is very bad. Still as my favourite team I
wish Brazil all the best because best of soccer is stored in them and they have
capacity to release it. Hope they will do this now.
A.Veronica
Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.Tel: 7507394349.
