Brazil star Neymar responds to play-acting criticism

Brazilian star Neymar receives backlash for his constant feigning of injury. This marvellous World Cup still has certain issues.

During the Last 16 clash between tournament favourites Brazil and Mexico, Neymar came under fire. He actually scored to complete a beautiful passing move.

In addition to supplying Roberto Firmino with an assist, therefore taking the game beyond their opponents. Although the major talking point was inevitably Neymar, it was not for reasons he appreciated.

PSG’s talismanic forward, and the like, should cease with the theatrical rolling around: it’s pathetic, embarrassing and exploitative.

If an athlete actually has a bad leg injury – take it from me – they definitely do not roll around. Especially revealing is the fact that the ‘stamp’ provided minimal force or potential problems.

Talent versus deception

Undertaking deception to defraud the opposition is not a new pantomime. The simple aim is to have a fellow player dismissed: consequently increasing the chances of winning.

Conning your adjudicator is effective because we still see duping on a grand scale. Portugal’s Pepe is a serial offender. Contrarily to his aggressive output.

Eradicate cheating – similarly to diving or simulation – by introducing punitive suspensions. Proposing VAR to assume those duties is adequate, the system is in place.

Former pros and pundits’ opinion

Viewers were swift in using social media to declare the 24-year-old as pathetic. This sentiment was supported by former professional footballers and television pundits.

Mexican manager Juan Carlos Osorio described the Brazilian’s antics as ‘clowning’. Presumably in a circus sense of over-performance. Concise and informative.

Other sports media took a humorous approach. Although hilarious, along with biting; the parody is empty, if the action is not combated. Bleacher Report use an athletic analogy.

Response

Following the worldwide condemnation, the PSG man went on the offensive, or possibly the defensive. Here is his reply to mass censure after the Mexican match:

"“Look, I think it’s more of an attempt to undermine me than anything else. I don’t care much for criticism, not even from the press because in a way this can influence athletes. The last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because there’s so many people talking. I just want to play and I help my team-mates, I have to help my team and that’s what I am here for, nothing else. I am here to win and I hope I can improve.” – Neymar (Via: Sky Sports)"

Ah, he is the victim. He was trodden on lightly so that excuses the behaviour and acting of a child. And not that of a youth skilled in the art of drama.

This is the definition of undermine: ‘lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously.’  His opposition are not the accusers per say, contradicting the accuracy of his statement. You can blame journalists for certain written words: not for stating the obvious.

The press, viewers and commentary teams do not wish to stop Brazil’s – or Neymar’s – progress. Quite the opposite; we want to see them in all their glory. If so many colleagues, peers and supporters declare a scenario so; I would address my conduct. Will the quarter-final against Belgium provide his redemption?

Assessment

Since elimination of Argentina, Spain, Germany and Portugal: Neymar is the highest profile player remaining at World Cup 2018.

It is important for his legacy that he plays as amazingly as he can; especially when considering Brazil’s host capitulation against Germany four years ago. Yet whilst doing so, his fellow professionals demand respect.

Next: Tottenham face defeat in quest to sign French defender

What do you make of Neymar’s antics?