Brazil has not yet given up hope that football star Neymar will participate in the Olympics. “As part of the big idea of having the strongest national team for the Olympic Games, a player like Neymar is a big step in that direction,” said Olympic selection coach Andre Jardine in Rio de Janeiro after the squad was nominated for the final test phase before the Olympics in Japan.
Brazil are defending champions. “To be able to count on Neymar is not only a dream for me, but I think for every coach of a team,” said Jardine. “But it is a more sensitive issue that is being dealt with directly by our President.” The possible Olympic participation of the Paris Saint-Germain superstar depends on several factors. National coach Tite, who has nominated Neymar for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers on June 4th and 8th, would also like to count on the offensive star at the Copa America in Argentina and Colombia. The continental championship of the national teams in South America is scheduled to begin on June 13th.
When the two tournaments took place in the same year in 2016, Brazil and Neymar defeated Germany on penalties in the Olympic final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio. It was the first Olympic gold medal in football for the five-time world champion.
(WHAT) / Bild: Imago
–
–