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World Cup: Will Neymar Start Against Japan? Brazil's Coach Says He Can Play Over 15 Minutes

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti remains secretive about Neymar's starting status for the upcoming World Cup match against Japan.
  • Ancelotti confirmed Neymar can play over 15 minutes, a significant improvement from his previous condition after a knee injury.
  • Brazil respects Japan's disciplined tactics and considers the match a crucial final.

Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding Neymar's potential start in the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Japan.

While Ancelotti has not confirmed if the star player will be in the starting lineup, he stated that Neymar's physical condition now allows him to play for more than 15 minutes. This is a notable improvement for the 34-year-old forward, who suffered a severe left knee injury in October 2023, sidelining him for a significant period and causing him to miss Brazil's initial World Cup group stage games. Neymar made his return as a substitute in the final group match against Scotland.

"Neymar's recovery has been good over the past week. He couldn't play 15 minutes before, but now his physical condition allows him to play more than 15 minutes," Ancelotti said. However, he added that Neymar has not fully participated in team training, and his playing time will depend on the game's progression and the challenges faced on the field.

Neymar's recovery has been good over the past week. He couldn't play 15 minutes before, but now his physical condition allows him to play more than 15 minutes.

— Carlo AncelottiProviding an update on Neymar's fitness ahead of the match against Japan.

Ancelotti expressed significant respect for Japan, acknowledging their strong tactical discipline, organization, and individual player quality. He views the match as a critical test for his team, emphasizing its importance by stating, "We have great respect for them and will prepare for this match as if it were a final, because for us, it is a final."

The coach also dismissed notions that Brazil would have an easier path after advancing to the knockout stages. He believes this World Cup is one of the most competitive in recent years, with no clear favorites. Ancelotti's cautious approach underscores the perceived difficulty of facing Japan and the overall unpredictability of the tournament.

We have great respect for them and will prepare for this match as if it were a final, because for us, it is a final.

— Carlo AncelottiDescribing the importance of the upcoming match against Japan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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