Brazil determined to shine despite Neymar absence

Willian or Bernard likely to replace star striker in semi against Germany.

TERESõPOLIS:

Willian and Bernard, the two leading contenders to replace Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup semi-final line-up against Germany, insisted that the team can still win the competition without their star player.

“Neymar sets the standard for us,” said Chelsea midfielder Willian. “He is capable of deciding any game, so playing without him will be difficult.

“We know the quality that we have. We are all very sad at losing him, but we are now even stronger after what happened and we can continue to pursue our dream.”

Neymar’s tournament ended in tears on Friday when he suffered a fractured vertebra in his back after a crunching challenge from Juan Zuniga in the 2-1 quarter-final win against Colombia.

Willian, who has made all three of his appearances at this World Cup from the bench, picked up a knock in training on Saturday in a clash with Hernanes, but said that it will not prevent him from being ready against Germany.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari could opt to hand a first start in the competition to diminutive Shakhtar Donetsk winger Bernard.

“Nobody ever expected that we could come to a situation like this, without Neymar,” said Bernard.

“But there’s still time. We will be able to adjust and find the best way to cope with the situation.”

Brazil have played six games without Neymar since 2010, winning five. Their solitary defeat was a 1-0 friendly loss away to France. The victories came against lesser opposition in Iran, Ukraine, Gabon, Egypt and Denmark.

Germany predict galvanised Brazil side

Germany are disappointed Brazil’s star Neymar is ruled out of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said his injury could yet galvanise the Selecao.

Schweinsteiger and captain Philip Lahm made comments supporting Neymar.

Germany regret Neymar’s absence from the clash at Belo Horizonte’s Mineirao Stadium, but his injury could galvanise the hosts, according to Schweinsteiger.

“We’re all sad that Neymar can’t play, it’s always better when the opponent has all their best players on the pitch,” said the Bayern Munich star.

“It’ll bring the [Brazil] team together and they’ll want to win the title for him.”

His captain Lahm said the tournament is worse off without the Brazil star.

“Neymar is a sensational player who has shown his class at the World Cup,” Lahm told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

“At a World Cup, you always want to measure yourself against the best that is why I would prefer Brazil played with Neymar,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2014.

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