Monday, 7th July, 2014
Brazil legend Ronaldo feels his nation are still favourites to defeat Germany in the semi-finals tomorrow, despite losing their star forward Neymar through injury.
The Barcelona player, who scored four goals in the competition, was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a back injury in Brazil’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the quarter-finals on Friday.
It is undoubtedly a huge blow for the Selecao, but Ronaldo insisted that the five-time champions can more than hold their own without Neymar against the Germans.
“Everyone got a little scared with the injury he picked up, and there’s no question Brazil have lost a star and their main goal threat”, he explained to FIFA’s official site.
“We have to press on, though. It’s a big match between two of world football’s great teams and I don’t see them as clear favourites. The Selecao are always favourites, against any team in the world.”
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Ronaldo believes Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will motivate his squad and put his strongest side possible out to cover Neymar’s absence for the encounter at the Estadio Mineirao.
“I know Felipe very well. He’s a great motivator, and I’m sure that he’s pushing his team on at this very moment in time, especially the player who’s going to be coming in for Neymar”, he added.
“I think he’s got the team under control and he’s going to use every weapon at his disposal to put the strongest side together.
“I’m sure that the player who’ll replacing Neymar will be very determined to make people forget he’s not there.”
The former striker signed out by saying that Brazil will defeat Germany 1-0 to reach the final for the first time since 2002.
“Brazil are going to win 1-0.”
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