The long-lasting Brazilian nationwide workforce began its 2022 World Cup marketing campaign within the closing spherical of matches on Thanksgiving day with a convincing and dominant 2-0 win over Serbia. Nevertheless, Seleção Canarinha was dealt an damage blow to its undisputed star Neymar Jr. The Paris Saint-Germain ahead was subbed off within the eightieth minute after he suffered 9 fouls in opposition to Serbia. One in every of them probably brought about an ankle damage, based on the Brazilian workforce physician Rodrigo Lasmar.
“It was a direct trauma the place the knee of a Serbian participant made a motion that brought about the sprain,” Lasmar stated.
“He offered with some swelling of the ankle. We began remedy instantly, together with on the bench. He’s nonetheless in physio remedy now. And we must wait 24 to 48 hours earlier than we have now a clearer image of the participant’s state of affairs.” (CNN)
Neymar and Brazil at the moment are in a race in opposition to time to get him wholesome and match for the knockout levels, confirmed they high quality with out their famous person ahead.
Brazil is chockfull of expertise and is taken into account the favourite to raise the World Cup trophy come Dec. 18. Regardless of Brazil’s uber-talented squad, lacking a participant of Neymar’s stature can’t assist however have some affect. Simply look again at Brazil’s catastrophic 7-1 loss to Germany within the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup. Brazil missed Neymar and middle again Thiago Silva that day by means of damage, and Brazil suffered one of the vital embarrassing losses in World Cup historical past. I’m not saying Brazil will implode like they did eight years in the past, however there might be trigger for concern.
So how will this information affect Group G? Brazil’s subsequent matchup comes in opposition to Switzerland on Monday at 11 ET. Then Cameroon will take them on at 2 ET on Dec. 2 for his or her closing spherical of group stage matches.
Regardless of what occurred within the 2014 World Cup, Brazil are nonetheless completely able to successful the group even with out Neymar main the road. Richarlison’s brace, which included a aim of the match contender bicycle kick, is an effective signal that Brazil can rating objectives with out Neymar’s identify on the scoresheet.
Brazil has a ridiculous squad. They’ve skillful and tough wingers like Vinicius, Raphina, Antony, and Rodrigo, who would all begin for an additional nationwide workforce with much less competitors for beginning sports activities and minutes. There’s additionally Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, key figures at Arsenal, who can come off the bench to alter the sport.
In accordance with the Comeback, 84% of groups that win their first recreation transfer on to the knockout levels. Brazil gained their first recreation in opposition to Serbia. Right here’s what the Group G standings appear to be, per Fotmob:
Along with the three factors picked up within the opening spherical of video games, Brazil additionally has aim differential in its favor. WIth another win, Brazil could be assured to undergo to the knockout levels. With another win and no less than a draw, they might win the group outright.
So, historical past will let you know that Brazil will most likely, and may, make it by means of on prime of the group stage. Even with out Neymar, Brazil ought to nonetheless comfortably make it by means of to the knockout stage.