Brazil thrash Peru 3-1 to lift first Copa America title since 2007
Football | July 08, 2019 9:33 ISTThe victory helped Brazil to regain the confidence of some supporters following its quarterfinal exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The victory helped Brazil to regain the confidence of some supporters following its quarterfinal exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Brazil's soccer confederation said in a statement early on Thursday that Neymar had a ligament rupture in his ankle and will not recover in time to play the South American tournament.
Neymar felt the injury shortly after Richarlison scored Brazil's first goal at 22 minutes. He was replaced by Everton.
It was another setback for Brazil's biggest star, who has only played four matches with Paris Saint-Germain since he returned from a broken metatarsal in his right foot on April 27.
Neymar was substituted with an apparent groin injury during the first half of Brazil's friendly against Cameroon.
Coutinho, who has a left thigh injury, and Marcelo, who injured his right thigh, would have started the games, but Alex Sandro and Augusto have been named as their replacements.
Argentina was without superstar Lionel Messi, and striker Paulo Dybala was ineffective up front in a match where players from both teams complained about the heat.
Jesus opened the scoring after a pass by Neymar in the 43rd minute and Alex Sandro sealed the victory with a header near the end of the match at King Saud University Stadium.
Neymar converted a penalty kick for the second straight game and assisted on three goals before a crowd of 28,511 at FedEx Field.
Roberto Firmino scored in the 11th minute off a cross from Douglas Costa, later Neymar added a penalty kick in the 44th minute.
Fans, players and former soccer stars criticized the Brazilian for his overacting on the pitch in Russia, including a tearful moment at the end of the 2-0 win against Costa Rica.
Belgium overcame five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 on Friday to book their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup only for the second time after a gap of 32 years.
Ronaldo called on critics to be more objective and said referees were not providing sufficient protection for Brazil's No. 10.
Neymar had been accused of faking an injury in the game, and video of Tite's criticism was widely viewed.
The five-time World Cup champions will next face either Japan or Belgium in their seventh straight quarterfinal match, the stage they have reached at every World Cup since 1994.
Brazil haven't been at their best in the first two games, playing out a 1-1 draw against the Swiss and having to wait until injury time to finally secure the goals and the win against lowly Costa Rica.
Philippe Coutinho scored in the first minute of stoppage time, and Neymar followed six minutes later to give Brazil a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica at the World Cup.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opener last weekend, and Neymar was much criticised for his underwhelming performance.
A day after Neymar limped out of training and raised further doubts about his physical condition in Russia, the Brazilian soccer federation was quick to tell the world he was just fine.
Brazil's problems keep increasing day by day as their star player Neymar Jr was seen limping out of a practice session due to discomfort in his right ankle.
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