Can Neymar lead Brazil to Olympic gold ?
Brazil will again seek to win a trophy on home soil this summer and have placed their hopes in their golden boy, Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr was notably absent from the Copa America Centenario after Barcelona insisted that he only take part in one international football competition and the Olympics was chosen. Hordes of football fans thought that was a stupid move. After all, it was just Olympics football, who cares? Well, Brazil cares. Brazil has been successful in every international football competition they have played in, except the Olympics. They almost tasted victory in the 2012 London Olympics but was only able to win the silver as Mexico grabbed the gold medal instead. Getting another win in Copa just wouldn’t give the population the same warm feeling as copping a trophy on home soil would.
It is true that Brazil doesn’t do well on home soil. I’m sure i don’t have to bring up the historic 1950s loss at the Maracana or remind you of the infamous Germany 7-1. However, they have a real chance of breaking that curse this time around.
For starters they have Neymar, a fantastic player that is known for showing up for his country and does have experience playing Olympics football. Neymar Jr has crazy stats for Brazil and provided that he doesn’t get injured or lose his cool, he will definitely be important decisions on and off the field. Of course, playing for Brazil is no easy task with the amount of pressure and expectations that rests on his shoulders. But this remains his perfect chance to finally prove himself to his critics and dismiss any claims that he is a “club balla”. In addition to that, Neymar Jr is the only big name at the tournament so he is expected to do really well. Brazil’s biggest threat going into the Olympics is actually Mexico and I wouldn’t be surprised if the finals is a rematch.
Of course, football isn’t a one man sport. Neymar Jr will have Gabigol and Gabriel Jesus, two of the biggest up and coming stars in Brazil helping him to lead the attack. Both of these players are thirsty for victory and have a real eagerness to prove themselves to their country. As football fans know,, pairing skill with a thirst for winning has won many trophies. Maybe that’s all Brazil will need to not only rid themselves of the curse of playing on home soil but to assert themself even more confidently as the “home of football.”