Brazil are no longer solely dependent on their scintillating superstar Neymar to go far in the FIFA World Cup Qatar

Brazil are no longer solely dependent on their scintillating superstar to go far in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. That said, the so-called Neymar-dependence may make sense if the attacking midfielder is not on the pitch. Confused? The legendary Zico explains. “This dependence has no longer been evident when Neymar plays, provided he’s on the pitch. It’s different when he’s out,” Zico told FIFA+ in Doha.

“When he’s on the pitch all eyes are on him, which opens up space for others, giving them more chance to get the job done. “When he’s not on the pitch, every player has to find a way to win the game. People think it’s the same thing, but it’s not.”

Zico believes the Seleção can win Qatar 2022 even if Neymar is not in the team or in top form. The good news is that he has recovered well from the badly-sprained ankle that he picked up in the opening match against Serbia, and will play the last-16 encounter against Korea Republic on Monday.

“Brazil are capable of winning, for sure, but it would be good for him to play,” said Zico. “He was the cherry on top of the cake. He was in great physical shape; better than before the World Cup. “You see Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, who are players with a similar impact to Neymar. Whether they play badly or play well they can decide a match in any instant, but they can also worry the opponents and open up space for others. This is why Neymar is hugely important for the Seleção.”