Neymar has expressed doubt over his future in the Brazil national football team after his team’s shock World Cup exit during the quarterfinals in a penalty shootout against Croatia.
“Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight,” Neymar stated to reporters following the defeat.
Although the Brazilian winger admitted that his emotions may be getting the best of him, he also acknowledged the reality that he couldn’t guarantee a return to the international stage either.
Neymar’s goal in extra time against Croatia was his 77th in a Brazil shirt, seeing him go level with Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s scorer.
Unfortunately for the Brazilians, their celebrations were premature as Croatia equalized through Bruno Petkovic just three minutes before the end of extra time.
While Croatia managed to convert all of their spot kicks, Rodrygo’s penalty was saved by Dominik Livakovic while Marquinhos hit the post.
Neymar was unable to partake in the penalty shootout as the contest was decided after four penalties per side, whereas Neymar was the fifth penalty taker for Brazil. According to Brazil coach Tite, the fifth spot kick needs to be taken by someone with the most quality and strongest mentality, hence why Neymar was designated.
