XtraTime Web Desk: Brazil head Tite doesn’t see any fault of the team’s star striker Neymar Jr. after an incident occurred on the touchline in the second half during the match between Brazil and Mexico which they won 2-0 to reach the quarterfinals. As per many after a foul on him the PSG star overacted about the incident.
The Brazilian forward needed a treatment for more than two minutes after clutching his shin. The foul was made by Mexico’s substitute Miguel Layun, although the TV replay showed that the contact was extremely slight.
“I saw what happened, everyone who is watching, and you can see the image,” said Tite, before praising the forward, who scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Mexico.
“Neymar was out of action for three and a half months, that is a lot at the top level. A top-level player needs 4 or 5 matches to recover, he played well in the last game and today he repeated his excellence,” he said.
Neymar was also asked about the incident but preferred not to discuss it saying he felt accusations of play-acting were “an attempt to undermine me.”
“I don’t care about criticism or praise, because that can influence your attitude. I haven’t talked to the press, because I don’t want controversy,” he said in the post-game press conference.
“I just have to play, help my team and nothing else. I’m here to win so I hope that I can improve, I knew I would need time to get back to my normal pace.
“Today I feel much better and I’m very happy for the match, not only individually but for the whole team. I congratulate my team for the work and effort and we’re improving all the time,” added the Brazilian star.
Meanwhile Tite was pleased with Brazil’s performance, saying; “We had 21 chances, it was a great game and I really enjoyed it. Our transitions were really quick.”
He also had praise for winger Willian, who set up Neymar for the first goal and was a massive influence in the second half.
“Willian has been playing really well, sometimes he suffers tactically, it’s not that he has too much work, but he does a lot, but in the second half today he was allowed to shine,” said the Brazil boss.