Neymar dismissed criticism as an attempt to influence his attitude.GETTY IMAGES
After "another controversial match in which he was accused of diving and feigning injury," Neymar insisted the "hum of talk" around his behavior was just opponents "trying to put him off his game," according to Jonathan Wilson of the London GUARDIAN. Mexico Manager Juan Carlos Osorio, without mentioning Neymar by name, "made clear" he felt the Brazilian's antics and "fake fouls" were responsible for Mexico losing its rhythm as, after a "promising start," El Tri lost 2-0. Osorio: "I think it’s a shame for football. We wasted a lot of time because of one player. We stopped too often. I think this is a very negative example for the world of football and all the children who are following this game. This is a strong sport, a man’s sport and I think there shouldn’t be so much acting." Neymar, though, "was dismissive," saying, "I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else. I don’t much care for criticism, not even for praise because this can influence in a way the athlete’s attitude" (GUARDIAN, 7/2).
'BRILLIANT AND RIDICULOUS': In London, Jim White opined there "is nothing a Brazil team enjoys more than winning in the heat." Well, "that and, at least as far as Neymar is concerned, rolling around in apparent agony" after the "lightest of touches from an opponent." In truth, "Neymar’s play-acting at this World Cup has been little short of scandalous." He was "by turns brilliant and ridiculous" against Mexico, "by turns wonderful athlete and childish ego." He attempted a "bold bid for a Golden Globe rather then the Golden Boot by rolling around as if under sniper fire" following "the lightest of pecks" on his shin from Mexico’s Miguel Layún. The "oddity about Neymar’s undignified thespian spoiling is that it seems so unnecessary" because he is part of a "very smart Brazil team" (TELEGRAPH, 7/3).
