Neymar involved in substitution controversy just before World Cup squad announcement | OneFootball

What should have been a positive ending just before Carlo Ancelotti’s announcement of Brazil’s World Cup squad, turned out to be a small disaster for Neymar. Santos met Coritiba FC in the 16th round of the Brazilian Serie A and went 3-0 down in the first half. As if this wasn’t bad enough, in the second half Neymar was involved in a controversy that could turn out to be a bad omen.

While receiving treatment on the sideline, Santos coach Cuca wanted to sub off left-back Gonzalo Escobar with the number 31 and bring on Robinho Junior. The fourth official, however, raised the board unintentionally showing Neymar’s number 10. Though the attacking midfielder quickly made out the mistake and complained to the referee, he was officially subbed off and couldn’t return to play. Neymar was outraged and turned to a pitch-side camera showing the fourth official’s sheet, which read number 31.

A controversy that came just a day before the decision if Neymar’s dream of the last World Cup participation would come true. “Obviously, it is my dream to play in the World Cup. I worked hard for it,” the superstar explained in a post-game interview.

In the current season, Neymar scored six goals and assisted four more in 15 games, proving to be one of the most important players of a Santos side looking to avoid the relegation battle. Nevertheless, only Ancelotti can decide, whether Neymar receives a last dance with the five-time world champions.

GFN | Tim Bosnjak