Ronaldo: Neymar Can Prove His Critics Wrong at the World Cup

Neymar remains the best goalscorer in Brazil's squad and is believed to be able to "shut up" his critics by taking his team far in the World Cup. This belief was conveyed by former Brazil striker and World Cup champion, Ronaldo Nazario, ahead of the Brazilian national team's match which will face Japan in the round of 32 on Monday. After nearly three years of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for the national team, Neymar was surprisingly recalled to Brazil's squad for this year's tournament. However, the 34-year-old, who is his country's all-time top scorer with 79 goals, suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the competition and missed Brazil's first two games. He only came on as a substitute in the final 14 minutes of their last match, in which Brazil won 3-0 over Scotland. This moment was Neymar's fourth appearance at the World Cup, after previously playing in three different editions. Vinicius Junior has emerged as Brazil's talisman in this tournament by scoring four goals, but Ronaldo, who was top scorer as Brazil won the title in 2002, still believes Neymar will make a big contribution. "Neymar is very decisive. I don't see another player in the current squad who has the ability like him to win games," said Ronaldo in an interview with L'Equipe.  "So, if we can count on him, we can't miss this opportunity. He has been declared healthy by doctors, is in good physical condition, and now has the opportunity to shut up all those who don't believe in him. I also had a comeback on the pitch in 2002, so I'm all for Neymar. I'm very excited and rooting for him. He doesn't need to prove his talent anymore at the age of 34, but I hope his performance can shut up the mouths of all those who doubted him, because there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a great athlete make a successful comeback." Supercomputer Opta gives Brazil a 6.7% chance of winning their sixth World Cup, making them fifth favorites after France (17.9%), Argentina (17.1%), Spain (13.4%), and England (10%). However, Ronaldo does not see Thomas Tuchel's side as Brazil's main opponents, instead pointing towards Germany (4.2% chance) to go deep in the tournament. "France, Spain and Argentina play excellent football; they are very competitive, and Germany is always dangerous," he added. "They are Brazil's biggest rivals for this trophy." Brazil have been knocked out in four of their last six World Cup knockout games, more than in their previous 17 games combined (three). However, they have not been knocked out in the first knockout stage of a World Cup since 1990, when they lost 1-0 to Argentina in the last 16. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Ehipto, kauna-unahang panalo sa knock-out ng FIFA World Cup 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/ehipto-kauna-unahang-panalo-sa-knock-out-ng-fifa-world-cup-2026) 2. [Mundial 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/cristiano-ronaldo-nagbigay-ng-payo-kay-rodrygo-na-may-acl-injury-maging-matiisin)

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