The football nation Brazil breathes a sigh of relief: Superstar Neymar’s injury is healing faster and better than expected. National coach Tite is planning with his key player for the round of 16 against South Korea. Meanwhile, the football-crazy country is worried about its “king”
Drones traced Pelé’s yellow jersey number ten in the night sky over Doha Bay. His image shone larger than life at the final stadium, on skyscrapers and the imposing Aspire Tower. The message out into the football world and to the sickbed in distant São Paulo was: “Get well soon!” Concern about the seriously ill legend is omnipresent at the World Cup and overshadows the title hunt of the heirs, who are now desperate to fulfill their king’s last wish.
Not only in the country of the record world champion do people pray for “O Rei” and sincerely hope that he is not yet dying. In Qatar, too, the stars are thinking of the very greatest. “I ask you all, no matter what religion you have: say a prayer for him and send him your good wishes,” said assistant coach Cesar Sampaio, who, like Pelé, once played for FC Santos. Head coach Tite recalled shaking when he first met the football idol and concluded: “Health Pelé, I convey the affection of all of us.”
The 82-year-old announced on social networks that he was “strong and full of hope”. Pelé asked “that everyone keep calm and positive thinking”. But in view of the reports that chemotherapy for colon cancer was no longer effective and palliative measures had been initiated, even the most important sporting question before the round of 16 on Monday (8 p.m. / ZDF, MagentaTV and in the ntv.de live ticker) against South Korea the background: is Neymar playing again?
The superstar, who is dying to join the ranks of legendary Brazilian world champions, exuded confidence ahead of the clash with the underdog. “I feel good, I knew it would be like this now,” the 30-year-old tweeted after returning to team training.
Back on the ball, Neymar tricked and smirked with his teammates – the message: the ankle injury that kept him out of action for two games is over. When the hot phase of the World Cup begins, the most important player is fit again. Tite wanted to wait until the final training session, but indicated that he could play from the start.
Not only Neymar is clear: the task in Qatar after 20 years of finally winning the “Hexa” – the sixth world title – has taken on a new dimension. It is important to fulfill what is probably the last wish of the greatest footballer. “Bring the trophy home!” Pelé had demanded.
In any case, the World Cup is “mentally very demanding,” admitted national coach Tite, “it sucks you dry.” Added to this is the physical strain of having to play in the first knockout game just 70 hours after the last preliminary round game.
Tite’s decision to take the risk of defeat against Cameroon (0-1) with the B-Elf as a mood killer could pay off. The regular players are rested, but Alex Telles was seriously injured – and the coach now has no left-back available.