Scolari: “We’ll be playing for Neymar!”

No one doubts that losing Neymar for injury has been a big blow for the Brazilian National Team. He was the center figure of a team which has had its sights set on winning the World Cup since the kickoff of the tournament and without his talent on the field, their chances of still going all the way have to necessarily be lower.

In order to attempt to counter that inevitability, Scolari is hoping to use Neymar injury and absence as an extra motivational factor for what’s left in this World Cup. In his press-conference previewing this Tuesday’s semi-finals clash against Germany, the Brazilian coach delivered a public message to Neymar, the fans and his players, by asking them to be strong and play for the 22-year old footballer…

Scolari: “Neymar has left much of himself with us, but we already moved on from all that mourning stage we’ve been through. This group understands that he has done his part already and that we now must carry on by doing our end of the bargain too.”

Then came the public appeal, in another classic psychological play from the very experienced Brazilian manager, who has already coach more than 20 different teams in his whole career.

Scolari: “Therefore, we won’t be playing only for ourselves anymore. Besides playing for our country and for everything we’ve imagined and have dreamed of, we’ll also play for Neymar and for all the things he has done for us.”

Brazil meets Germany this Tuesday night at the Estádio Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte.

Sources: jn.pt