Brazilian superstar Neymar (34, Santos)'s chances of playing in the World Cup have revived.
Once distant from the Brazil national team, Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's preliminary roster has raised hopes that he could appear on the World Cup stage for a fourth time.
ESPN reported on the 12th (Korean time), citing sources from the Brazil national team, that "Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in the 55-man preliminary roster Brazil submitted to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)."
Until recently the mood was not good. Neymar had continued to be left out of the national team because of injuries and condition issues. In particular, after Ancelotti's appointment as coach he never made the national team list even once, leading to projections that his World Cup participation had become unlikely.
But the situation has completely changed with his inclusion in the preliminary roster. The Brazil national team can only form its final 26-man squad from within the 55-man preliminary roster. In the end, Neymar has at least survived the competition to make the final World Cup roster.
Expectations are growing in Brazil as well. Neymar is an iconic player in Brazil's football history, holding the record for most goals in A internationals with 79. His World Cup experience and influence on matches are also regarded as outstanding among the current Brazil squad.
In particular, because coach Ancelotti values experienced attacking resources, there is also a view that Neymar has sufficient potential for use. If he fully regains his physical condition, he is considered one of the few players capable of changing the course of a game.
[OSEN]