Only yesterday, stories were doing the rounds that Neymar might quit the Olympics.
The Barcelona forward is undoubtedly the star attraction of the Brazil team, yet was powerless to stop them from recording consecutive goalless draws in their opening couple of fixtures against South Africa and Iraq.
Neymar’s failure to do anything of note in either of the matches saw him criticised by home supporters, prompting his coach, Rogerio Micale, to suggest he might quit the Games due to a lack of respect.
But in their final match of the group stages, the 24-year-old returned to form.
Brazil cruised to a 4-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday, booking their place in the quarter finals in the process.
Neymar didn’t manage to bag a goal for himself, but demonstrated his abilities with this deft pass that paved the way for his country’s third goal. Neymar chipped the ball perfectly into the path of Douglas Santon who rolled the ball across for Luan to tap home.
https://twitter.com/futbolminded/status/763560189215682560
Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa (two) and Gabriel Jesus were responsible for Brazil’s other goals on the night, but Neymar’s return to form will have been equally as pleasing for Brazilian supporters.
The hosts now face Colombia in Sao Paulo on Saturday. On this showing, you wouldn’t bet against them finishing the tournament as gold medallists.
