The Brazil and Paris Saint Germaine top gun, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior commonly known as Neymar Jr. has expressed his delight that his home country will not be facing any African country, especially the Super Eagles in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup in Russia next year.
Neymar told the media in France that he is ‘happy’ Brazil avoided all five African teams that qualified for the world cup, especially Nigeria.
Brazil had a rather unpleasant time at the 2014 World Cup tournament and was eliminated in the group stage. At the draws that took place on Friday, Brazil was drawn into Group E, alongside side 2014 quarter-finalists, Costa Rica and Serbia who have recently gained a formidable form.
The PSG forward admitted that Group E won’t be an easy nut to crack for Brazil, but he is even more grateful that the South Americans will not be avoiding a physically strong and agile African side.
“We [Brazil] have to be at our best to get a good result particularly in our first game of the tournament. The teams in our group are difficult to play against,” Neymar told media.
“I am happy it wasn’t a group where we had to play against African teams like Nigeria. They run a lot and are very physical in their approach. We are no doubt still up against strong sides at the World Cup.” He added.
Nigeria in group D will go against Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in next year’s tournament.
Feature image:
zimbio.com
