BRAZIL will have no problems covering for superstar Neymar’s injury.
And a large reason is due to their prolific underrated forward who is scoring goals for fun.
That is according to legendary forward and 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo.
Iconic No10 Neymar was ruled out for the remainder of the group stages after damaging ankle ligaments in the opener against Serbia.
Brazil’s medical staff are confident he will be fit to return during the knockout stages.
But Rivaldo does not think it is as big a loss as first feared.
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He said: “Losing Neymar for the next two games will be a test for Brazil.
“The team has several other strikers who will undoubtedly come in an perform well, but Neymar is obviously the first choice.
“The group is a strong group and these things happen in football, especially in a high-level competition like the World Cup.
“But the team is prepared with great strikers and Tite won’t have any problems.
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“We want Neymar 100 per cent, but if it doesn’t happen soon, we have others to replace him, a very strong team of 11 and a very good bench.
“Now is the time to wish Neymar a quick recovery, as he will be very important, especially in the latter stages.
“I have no doubt that Brazil will win the next two matches and move on to the round of 16 with ease.”
Neymar’s fitness concerns barely detracted from the excitement of the 2-0 win over Serbia.
And it was Tottenham forward Richarlison who proved the hero once more with both goals – including his stunning acrobatic effort.
The brace took his tally to nine in his last seven for the Selecao.
Rivaldo hailed their new talisman and backed him to keep up his incredible hot streak throughout the tournament.
He added to Betfair: “Richarlison was the one dismantling Serbia’s resistance with an opportune touch for the first goal and a superb execution on the second which I think is the most beautiful goal of the tournament so far.
“He seems to have a particular taste for scoring with the national team and after such a prolific performance I’m sure he is now seen as an absolute certain starter and an obvious candidate for the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot.
“Many wonder why Richarlison doesn’t score as many goals at Tottenham as he does for Brazil but we must recognise two completely different scenarios.
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“With Brazil, he plays with some of the best players in the world and becomes easier to get to finishing zones while at Spurs, even being a top team in England, we aren’t exactly speaking about an attacking force such as Manchester City or Liverpool.
“It’s normal that he doesn’t get to scoring positions so often there while with Brazil he is assisted by Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha or Paqueta.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
