Stronger Neymar takes the hits

Muricy Ramalho feels Neymar is learning to deal with nasty tackles after Brazil’s 4-1 friendly victory over the United States on Thursday.

Neymar, 20, was involved in an incident with US player Jermaine Jones, when the American midfielder went in excessively hard on the Brazil striker.

According to Santos coach Ramalho, Neymar has found a way to cope with aggressive opponents, successfully evading violent challenges during the friendly in Maryland.

“He knows he was hit hard but he protected himself well,” Ramalho told Globoesporte.

“This (tackle) was very rough, but he is so strong physically and held his own. The American (Jones) was nervous and scared.

“Still, he has to fulfil his role in the selection, which is important for the Olympics in these final stages.”

Brazil’s next match is against Mexico in Dallas on Sunday.