fifa world cup 2022
Rijwan Khan
In a major upset in the first quarterfinal match of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Croatia defeated cup contenders Brazil in the penalty shootout. After this defeat, Neymar, the star player of the four-time champion team, could not stop his tears. In this match, Neymar has equaled Pele’s record of scoring the most goals in international football for Brazil.
This is the third time in the World Cup that Neymar has failed. Among his successes with the national team are the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics gold medal. Then Brazil won the gold medal in football for the first time in the Olympics. Neymar said that this is not the time to talk about his future with the national team. Neymar scored against Croatia on Friday to equal Pele’s Brazilian record of 77 goals.
Neymar started crying sitting in the field
After the end of the penalty shootout, Neymar started crying in the midfield. He hid his face and other players were trying to console him. Even as he left the field with his teammate Dani Alves, tears were rolling down his cheeks. Neymar got disappointed again in the World Cup. Once again he failed to win the biggest title for Brazil.
Pele sends message in support of Neymar
Pele, 82, said in his message to Neymar: “I have watched you grow and I have celebrated for you every day and now I congratulate you for finally equaling my record for Brazil’s all-time goalscorer.” I can give
Brazilian football legend Pele has congratulated Neymar for equaling his record for the most goals scored by the national team following his country’s exit from the World Cup. Pele is hospitalized due to respiratory problems. Pele posted his message on Instagram after Brazil’s defeat.
I made my record almost 50 years ago and till now no one has come close to it. Now that you have reached here, it shows how big an achievement it is. Be a source of inspiration for us. I will continue to celebrate every goal of yours as I have been doing before.
Pele further wrote, we both know that their importance is more than statistics. Our biggest duty as a player is to inspire. To inspire our current teammates, future generations, and above all, fans of the sport. Unfortunately today has not been the happiest of days for us.