Thursday, March 28, 2024

Juninho backs Brazil despite Neymar blow

SoccerNews in World Cup 8 Jul 2014

57 Views

Former Brazil playmaker Juninho believes the host national can overcome Neymar’s absence to win the FIFA World Cup.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team secured a semi-final place with a stirring 2-1 win over Colombia last Friday, but it came at a price.

A robust challenge from Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga left Neymar with a fractured vertebra, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.

Much of the pre-match build-up to Tuesday’s last-four clash against Germany in Belo Horizonte has centred on how Scolari will adapt to the Barcelona forward’s absence.

Juninho acknowledged that his country lacks another game-changer in Neymar’s mould, but believes Scolari has the options at his disposal to come up with a winning formula.

“Brazil can still do it without Neymar but it’s going to be more difficult,” the ex-Middlesbrough and Atletico Madrid player told BBC Radio Five Live.

“Brazil doesn’t have another player like Neymar that can change the game like he can.

“Maybe Brazil will get stronger as a unit and play Willian or even Paulinho. As a unit, maybe Brazil can be stronger as a unit than in other matches.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top