Cancelo Defends Stars from Criticism
Portugal defender Joao Cancelo has come to the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, asserting that neither player deserves the criticism aimed at them during this World Cup.
Ronaldo, now 41, faced scrutiny following a disappointing performance in Portugal’s opening match, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Congo DR. Alternatively, Neymar, aged 34, sat out Brazil’s first two matches due to a calf injury, leading some critics to question his inclusion in the squad.
Cancelo emphasized that both players have already established their legacies. He stated that their accomplishments in football speak for themselves, suggesting that the negative attention they receive is largely unnecessary. “Both Cristiano and Neymar know who they are and what they represent for their country,” Cancelo remarked to reporters.
Records and Legacy of Ronaldo and Neymar
Ronaldo shares an incredible milestone with Argentine captain Lionel Messi, as both are participating in their sixth World Cup. With 143 goals since his debut for the national team in 2003, Ronaldo holds the record for the highest number of goals scored by a male player in international football.
Neymar also boasts impressive records, being Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. His absence from the national squad stems from a severe tore of his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty in October 2023.
Hendry Prepared for Neymar Matchup
Scotland defender Jack Hendry expressed his eagerness to face Neymar, who is expected to return for the upcoming World Cup match against Scotland on Wednesday. After recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for the initial Group C games, Neymar’s fitness was confirmed by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
During the 2021-22 season at Club Brugge, Hendry was part of a squad that faced Neymar while he was with Paris Saint-Germain, giving him a taste of the Brazilian’s prowess in a Champions League match. Currently, Hendry plays for Al Etifaq, while Neymar recently joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia before transitioning back to his native Brazil with Santos.
Hendry Reflects on Past Encounters
Speaking at Scotland’s training facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hendry was asked about the prospect of going up against Neymar once again. He appeared confident, saying, “I feel very comfortable and looking forward to playing against Neymar; it should be a great matchup.”
Reflecting on their past encounters, he mentioned that playing against elite players like Neymar requires intense focus, as a momentary lapse can lead to conceding a goal. He recalled his previous experiences, highlighting the significance of competing against top-tier talent.
Looking Ahead to the Match
As excitement builds for the upcoming clash, Hendry believes their match could provide invaluable lessons. “Playing against players of this caliber is a great experience. You learn a lot from these moments,” he concluded, looking forward to potentially facing Neymar again.
The Press Association contributed to this report.
