FIFA World Cup 2018: Neymar is a legend, but also an embarrassment?
Neymar Jr. is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the world of football. However, he is also perhaps the biggest embarrassment to the sport today thanks to his antics.
FollowNeymar Jr. is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in the world of football. He is also probably the biggest name in the FIFA World Cup 2018 after the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi with their respective teams Portugal and Argentina. Neymar is also the reason why Brazil beat Mexico to reach the quarterfinals. However, he is also perhaps the biggest embarrassment to the sport today thanks to his antics.
Brazil beat Mexico 2-0, but what football fans around the world are talking about is Neymar's dive faking an injury after being tackled by Miguel Layún. Although the Mexican did step on Neymar's ankle, the Brazillian's expressions after hitting the ground are being deemed 'Oscar-worthy'.
Twitteratti were absolutely brutal in showing their contempt towards Neymar's antics. Here are a few:
On a level of 1 to 8 what level Neymar do i feel like? 6 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BCXCiEe32u
— Rodriguez 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@RRWWE) July 2, 2018
Neymar has the lowest pain threshold of any player in World Cups since Opta stats began.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2018
Neymar rolls over the line. pic.twitter.com/3RpZX6RUH8
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2018
Neymar was incredible last night pic.twitter.com/gXcPnobaAV
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) July 3, 2018
This is why Neymar will live forever! pic.twitter.com/jlCEdCvfbi
— Ram Subramanian (a.k.a Voice Of Ram) (@VORdotcom) July 3, 2018
This isn't the first time Neymar is diving in the tournament. He made a similar display against Costa Rica which Brazil won 2-0. Neymar was tackled by Giancarlo Gonzalez and the referee awarded him a spot-kick. But after consulting VAR, the decision was overturned.
While Neymar has brushed off the criticism as rivals trying to get the better of him, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said that it was a shame for football. "I think this is a very bad example for the world and the world of football," said the Mexican coach, possibly echoing the voices of millions of fans of the game.
