Felipe Melo backs Neymar World Cup call-up: “This decisive…” | OneFootball

Felipe Melo came to Neymar’s defense regarding his call-up for the 2026 World Cup. The former player acknowledged that the Santos attacking midfielder did not have a good performance in the 2-0 win over Remo, but stressed that, even below expectations, the No. 10 was decisive by being directly involved in both goals for the São Paulo team.

“Neymar didn’t have a good game. That said, 2-0, two Neymar plays. The first one was ruthless. So what? Imagine him in the Brazilian National Team, with so many players giving him options, movement, the ball at his feet, through balls… It’s getting tough for the haters, huh? Really tough. He didn’t have a good game and still decided the match. I really hope he gets back to playing that mesmerizing football that delights everyone, while also being decisive,” he said on social media.

“Decisive the way he is,... that’s World Cup material!” he added.

Felipe Melo was a starter under Dunga and played in four matches at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In total, he played 22 games for Brazil. However, his time with the national team was marked by his red card in the 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in the World Cup quarterfinals, a result that sealed Brazil’s elimination.

Neymar, in turn, is still trying to earn space in the Brazilian National Team’s current cycle. Since Carlo Ancelotti took over as head coach, the Santos attacking midfielder has not been called up once. The coach made it clear that he will only call up players who are 100% fit physically.

Still in the process of recovery and regaining match rhythm, Neymar remains a doubt for the final squad list, which will be announced on May 18.

Santos vs. Remo

Santos beat Remo 2-0 last Thursday at Vila Belmiro in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship. On a night when the team was short on inspiration, attacking midfielder Neymar took responsibility and led the black-and-white side to victory.

The No. 10 did not deliver a brilliant performance, but he was decisive. He provided a beautiful assist for Peixe’s first goal, scored by Thaciano, and produced a superb long pass in the build-up to the move that ended with Moisés’ goal in the second half.

Controversy

Neymar received his third yellow card and will miss Santos’ next Brasileirão round match against Flamengo.

The booking was controversial. In the 40th minute of the second half, the No. 10 was shoved in the back by Diego Hernández, got up quickly, and went toward the Remo player to confront him. The match referee, Savio Pereira Sampaio, decided to show the star a yellow card, and he was already one booking away from suspension.

After the final whistle, the player blasted the referee and said the card was “unfair”.

Santos’ next match

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.