Neymar received accolades from Santos coach Cuca following his team’s 2-0 victory in the league on Sunday, as Brazil prepares to unveil their World Cup roster shortly.
The 34-year-old Neymar netted the opening goal against Red Bull Bragantino and garnered a warm ovation from the fans as he was substituted in the second half.
“Neymar had an outstanding performance,” Cuca acknowledged. “He controlled the ball effectively, created scoring opportunities, and made some remarkable plays. His goal was spectacular, and he indirectly assisted in securing the second goal. Overall, he played exceptionally well. Once he was fatigued, Gabriel Barbosa came on.”
The former player of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, looking to participate in his fourth World Cup this summer, expressed relief that Santos ended a streak of seven games without a win.
“I’m thrilled to have scored, to have contributed to the team, and to secure the win, which is what matters most,” Neymar shared with Globoesporte after the match.
“We hadn’t tasted victory in a while.” Neymar has faced fitness challenges since suffering ACL and meniscus tears in his left knee in October 2023 while representing Brazil.
He has two more matches to demonstrate to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti that he has regained his peak form.
Santos will compete against Coritiba in the Copa do Brasil midweek and again in the league on Sunday, just a day before Ancelotti announces his 26-man squad.
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