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Neymar's absence from the field, at a time when his return to the Brazilian national team was expected, has become one of the most discussed topics of the tournament. The striker's injury, his inclusion in the team and the way the situation is being managed by coach Carlo Ancelotti have sparked a wide debate that goes beyond football.
Brazilian public opinion remains divided. Some fans and analysts believe that Neymar should not have been included due to his physical condition, while others continue to consider him an indispensable figure for the Selecao's ambitions.
Criticism of the number 10 has increased in recent days, even from the highest levels of Brazilian politics. During an event in Belo Horizonte, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked a child who was Brazil's best footballer. After receiving the answer "Neymar", the president reacted with irony:
" Neymar isn't even playing. He's the first player in the national team to work from home ."
Lula's statement has brought the debate about Neymar's role and presence in the national team back into the spotlight.
Another criticism came from Flamengo's sporting director, Jose Boto, who questioned the reasons for the striker's signing.
" I don't understand what a player who has only played two games in the last two months is called ," Boto declared.
He compared Neymar's situation to that of striker Pedro, who is in excellent form.
" Pedro has scored 15 goals and is the top scorer in the Brazilian championship, while he has not been called up to the national team ," he added.
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti has consistently remained Neymar's biggest supporter. The Italian coach has stressed that squad decisions are based solely on sporting criteria and that he continues to have full confidence in the Brazilian forward.
" He has two months to show his qualities and be ready for the World Cup ," was Ancelotti's statement before the tournament.
Even after criticism and doubts about the player's physical condition, the coach has not changed his stance.
" We believe he is an important player and will be a key element in this World Cup. He has the same responsibilities as the other 25 players in the squad ," Ancelotti said.
According to the Italian coach, Neymar is getting closer to returning to the team. After Brazil's 3-0 victory, he announced that the striker has started training with the group.
" He is training individually. On Monday he trained with the rest of the squad and will be available for the match against Scotland ," Ancelotti explained.
However, despite positive signs of his return, the controversy surrounding Neymar continues to dominate discussions in Brazil, keeping the striker in the spotlight even when he is not on the pitch.
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