adminRIO DE JANEIRO. — Brazil has barely got over its World Cup soccer disaster and now it is counting on Barcelona star Neymar to finally deliver a treasured first football Olympic gold medal. Olympic gold is the only international title to elude Brazil in an illustrious history that has seen A Selecao win five World Cups.And Brazilian football is in desperate need of a pick-me-up after the humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany at their own World Cup two years ago and a group stage exit at the Copa America Centenario in June.
Golden boy Neymar has been untarnished by the failures.
Two broken vertebrae in his back suffered near the end of a quarter-final win over Colombia left Brazil without their talisman against the Germans two years ago.
And as part of an agreement between Barcelona and the Brazilian federation, Neymar skipped the Copa America — which sealed Dunga’s fate as Brazil coach for the second time — to ensure he is fresh for the Olympics.
Rogerio Micale will take charge after leading Brazil to the Under-20 World Cup final last year. Like the fans he also expects Neymar to deliver.
He said: “I want to be dependent on Neymar. What coach in the world would not want a Neymar in their team?
“Neymar has exceeded my expectations. He is appreciated, he’s a good guy with a huge heart especially around the younger players.
“He has shown that he is more than just a great player — he’s a great man admired by everybody.”
Neymar was part of the Brazil side shocked by Mexico in the final of the 2012 Olympics, whilst even the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have come up short when charged with delivering gold. — AFP.
Online Reporter