Neymar has scripted history at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Brazil’s quarterfinal match against Croatia. This makes him Brazil’s highest goalscorer alongside the legendary Pele. Both players have now scored 77 goals each for the Selecao.
While Neymar has equalled Pele’s goal record, he or anybody else in World Cup history is yet to match the legend’s three World Cup triumphs. Pele was in the Brazil team that won the World Cup in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
However, the goal was not enough to book Brazil a spot in the quarterfinals after they lost to Croatia via penalty shootout. Brazil scored twice in the shootout while the 2018 finalists netted in four times.
Despite Brazil failing to book their place in the next round of the ongoing tournament, their neighbours Argentina managed to win against the Netherlands in dramatic style.
The Leo Messi-led side had managed a 2-0 lead, only for the Netherlands to score twice to make the scores level. However, the heroics of Emiliano Martinez saved the skin for La Albiceleste.
After the defeat, Neymar said, “It feels like a nightmare. It’s hard to believe this is happening”. He went on to add, “Honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s hard to talk about it right now. It would be too hasty to come here and say that this is it, but I can’t guarantee anything. I have to take some time to think about it. I’m not closing any doors, but I’m also not saying 100 per cent that I want to be back.”
Neymar was seen crying after the match as his teammates, especially Dani Alves, gathered around him and consoled the flashy forward.