Was Oprah's support a jinx? Just a day after the talk-show mogul threw her support behind Mexico in the World Cup, the Mexican team got knocked out by powerhouse Brazil.
#BRA get the job done! 💪
Second-half goals from @neymarjr and Roberto Firmino mean that @CBF_Futebol are through to the quarter-finals! #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/LHBtM2Ajbw — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
Along the way, Brazilian star Neymar pulled yet another impressive fake-out (remember this one?). Mexico player Miguel Layun stepped on Neymar's ankle, and the Brazilian star's dramatic overreaction created more memes about how he deserves an Academy Award for his acting.
"Here's Neymar's ankle getting stepped on before he died from the injury and was resurrected," joked one.
Wrote BBC 5 Live Sport, "Neymar claims Layun stood on his ankle on the touchline. But his reaction was 'as if there were invisible crocodiles surrounding the edge of the pitch.'"
"I'm embarrassed for him" - @DionDublinsDube
Neymar claims Layun stood on his ankle on the touchline.
But his reaction was "as if there were invisible crocodiles surrounding the edge of the pitch"
📱📻 https://t.co/sN3eZOIMrt#WorldCup #bbcworldcup #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/V3dDlV9qlr — BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) July 2, 2018
And The Oscar goes to.... Neymar 👏 — Xtiian Zech (@XtiianZech) July 2, 2018
If Neymar was a dog... 😅 pic.twitter.com/q23YbrTDyG — Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 2, 2018
Neymar’s highlights from the Mexico game:
pic.twitter.com/RzoiRUD3iu — Carlos Marquez (@Carlmarq96) July 2, 2018
wtf neymar, literally done this every time in the #worldcup so far pic.twitter.com/0gsYmKuWsr — m💕. (@xbarcaa) July 2, 2018
I just waved at Neymar
He fell over — Jesus H Christ (@ThatBloke_Jesus) July 2, 2018
*mexicans*
neymar is such a bad actor
also mexicans: pic.twitter.com/feaw4RjKX3 — gustavo (@gustavonever) July 2, 2018
Considering the amount of time Neymar has been rolling about the pitch... There should be about 91 minutes injury time in this game #BRAMEX — Davie 1.6 (@Selki13) July 2, 2018
Here's Neymar's ankle getting stepped on before he died from the injury and was resurrected pic.twitter.com/4BKcrzT9sz — Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) 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
wtf neymar, literally done this every time in the #worldcup so far pic.twitter.com/0gsYmKuWsr — m💕. (@xbarcaa) July 2, 2018
Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio didn't mention Neymar's name, but it seems clear that he was talking about the superstar in a quote reported by the Guardian.
"I think it's a shame for football," Osorio said. "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."
Osorio didn't mention Neymar by name (but he was talking about Neymar): "It's an embarrassment for football that so much time was wasted on one player. The officiating was very biased and the players got tired of that ... It's not a good example for football." #eltrieng #mex — Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 2, 2018
But after the game, the player himself dismissed the criticism.
"I think it's more an attempt to undermine me than anything else," Neymar said, according to The Guardian. "I am here to win with my teammates."
On his Twitter account, the player stuck only to praising God and celebrating his team's win, with no mention of the in-game drama. "To you, all honor and all glory God," he wrote.
Para ti toda honra e toda Glória Deus 🙌🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/w7TKYTkDrM — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) July 2, 2018
And some were quick to point out the Mexico coach would have a stronger complaint had his team played better. Wrote one Twitter user, "Mexico was outplayed. To blame Neymar is to distract from their performance."
Mexico was outplayed. To blame neymar is to distract from their performance. — VinnyX (@VinnyXa) July 2, 2018
while he might not be wrong how hard is it to admit that we were simply outplayed after the 30th minute — charles (@bakedjam) July 2, 2018
Osorio pathetic excuses do no good for him. Zero respect #regresaatucasa — Andre Maule (@Maule10) July 2, 2018
Neymar's fans also defended the star, pointing out that he scored one of Brazil's two goals, and many were furious Layun wasn't sent off for stepping on Neymar.
Wrote one, "To all the idiots making memes & making fun of Neymar. He was already injured & Mexican player did this. It's easy to judge but only he knew how he felt, after that he slowed down a bit because of pain. Y'all ignore the fact Brazil won bc of him & start trolling."
Said another, "For all of you who are saying that Neymar was too exaggerated today, let me step on your ankle with metal spikes."
To all the idiots making memes & making fun of Neymar , He was already injured & Mexican player did this , it’s easy to judge but only he knew how he felt , after that he slowed down a bit because of pain . Y’all ignore the fact Brazil won bc of him & start trolling LMAO #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/LHRTbQOFc9 — Neymar 🇧🇷 || Nadal 🌱 || Maria 🌱 (@its_me_lokey) July 2, 2018
For all of you who are saying that the Neymar was too exaggerated today, let me step on your ankle with metal spikes #BRAMEX 🤫 — missmay (@maymeimaeh1) July 2, 2018
Watch the replay, he clearly stomps on Neymar's shin while Neymar is down. Should have been a red. — Chris Sutton (@chrissutton) July 2, 2018
Why’s everyone talking negative abt Neymar??? the guy did foul him... maybe his reaction was a bit exaggerated... but we don’t know, we aren’t in his body. what we do know is he scored a goal and did an amazing assist and without him Brazil probably wouldn’t have won.. #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/oXCQm5e3Wu — 🇦🇷🇧🇷🇪🇸🇺🇾 (@ari_moonlight98) July 2, 2018
Mexico's many supporters were justifiably bummed out by the loss, while Brazil fans went a little nuts. Wrote one Mexico fan, "After the #MexicoVsBrasil game, I showered in my own tears."
After the #MexicoVsBrasil game, I showered in my own tears pic.twitter.com/9vN5ACcVtw — Eric 🐝 (@LatinoDionysus) July 2, 2018
ALL OF BRAZIL RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/1wuV7kaq1j — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 2, 2018
Brazil and Mexico met for the 5th time in the World Cup.
Mexico still hasn't scored a goal against Brazil in ANY of those meetings. pic.twitter.com/34mWU1Ot98 — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 2, 2018
#BRAMEX Koreans after putting their blood sweat & tears in just to see Mexico lose in their next game pic.twitter.com/5xZe9JGTR0 — z // asd📌 (@daegudoyoung) July 2, 2018
The day's second match ended with Belgium eliminating Japan 3-2 after being down 0-2.
Belgium scored 3 straight goals to shock Japan in a comeback victory. The winning shot came in the 94th minute. https://t.co/VlgV6G9fZL pic.twitter.com/b52VjB43o2 — The New York Times (@nytimes) July 2, 2018
But the Japanese team heads for home with a stellar reputation, thanks in part to their fans regularly cleaning up stadiums after their games. Wrote one fan with a pro-Mexico nickname, "Japan deserved better, all the Japanese fans we met in Moscow were great." Added another, "Belgium won the match, Japan won our hearts. "
Elation for Belgium, but utter heartbreak for #JPN
Thank you for contributing so much to a #WorldCup classic and for everything you've added to Russia 2018, Japan. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/rtd3xUrEyj — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
Japan deserved better, all the Japanese fans we met in Moscow were great — Vamos Mexico (@danpack6) July 2, 2018
Even after losing, Japan fans still stayed behind to clean up the stands 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q5t9akokKy — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2018
Respect 🇯🇵
Japan fans clean up Volgograd Stadium after their loss to #POL
[🎥 IG: Thomas_mandl] #JPN pic.twitter.com/oQ97u8jT0M — COPA90 US (@COPA90US) June 28, 2018
Thanks to #Japan for making Asia proud.
Better luck next time, Congrats to Belgium.
Belgium won the match, Japan won our hearts.
Love from ?? — kiran krishnan (@kirankris) July 2, 2018
On Wednesday, Sweden plays Switzerland, and Colombia takes on England.
First published, July 2, 11:43 a.m. PT.
Update, 3:55 p.m. PT: Adds Neymar's reaction to Mexican coach's statement. Added Japan-Belgium links.
World Cup: Mexico's Miguel Layun was lucky not to be cautioned or sent off for stepping on Neymar. But the Brazil star's exaggerated reaction was embarrassing.
BRAZIL’S favourite football player, Neymar, is arguably the biggest star still standing at the World Cup.
Well, I say standing. The truth is he spends most of his time writhing on the ground like a suffocating fish.
Neymar is the Picasso of diving. Other players turned it into an art form long ago, but through him it has evolved into something so disturbing it’s impressive.
Limbs are splayed at unnatural angles. Body parts show up in weird and unexpected places. And through it all, his face is contorted into an expression of deep, existential agony.
Which brings us to his histrionic little performance against Mexico this morning. Here is the full footage, courtesy of SBS.
Neymar goes down, and it looks like Layun could be off here! #WorldCup #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/VNwpQxmjOJ — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 2, 2018
What did you make of this incident? Ref and VAR say play on! #BRAMEX #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/oO8Ree3qFV — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 2, 2018
Neymar was on the ground with the ball between his legs. As Mexican defender Layun bent over to retrieve it for a throw-in, wanting to play on quickly, his boot touched the Brazilian’s ankle.
Should Layun have put his foot somewhere else? Sure. Was there enough contact to cause an adult human, which Neymar allegedly is, any genuine pain? Absolutely not.
Nevertheless, Neymar reacted as though Layun’s studs had pierced his very soul.
Obviously he was fine, but play had to be stopped for several minutes as medical staff examined his non-existent injury and sprayed it with their magic deodorant.
Meanwhile, the officials reviewed the incident to see whether there had been a foul.
Discovering Layun had done nothing wrong, the referee simply stood and watched Neymar roll around on the grass for a while, which was admittedly an entertaining sight. Then, when the predictable, miraculous recovery materialised, he resumed play.
That’s it. Play on. Neymar tried to trick the referee into thinking a Mexican player had stomped on his ankle — a send-off offence — and the officials’ response was to do absolutely nothing.
Players dive and fake injuries, with varying levels of theatrics, for many reasons.
One guy will try to win a soft free kick, which is annoying but usually quite harmless.
A more shameless offender will pretend to be tripped in the box, where an easily duped referee might grant him a penalty.
And then there are the truly mendacious players, who actively try to get their opponents sent off for crimes they didn’t commit.
This is the lowest, most cynical form of cheating in football, and Neymar seems to do it compulsively.
“It’s absolutely pathetic,” fed up England legend Alan Shearer said today.
“There’s no doubting the ability of him, but it really is pathetic when he’s rolling around in agony. Why does he feel the need to do that?
“It’s been a terrific World Cup, but the one downside is players feigning injury and the diving. It’s a big issue.”
FFS @neymarjr man. STOP IT. We are fed up of it. #BrazilvsMexico — Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 2, 2018
Neymar is pathetic. — Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) July 2, 2018
Neymar, for his part, seemed determined to play the victim again when he was asked about his embarrassing display.
“Look, I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else. I don’t care much for criticism, not even for praise, because this can influence your attitude,” the Brazilian said.
Clearly he feels no shame. The disgust of fans and other teams will do nothing to dissuade Neymar or others like him from their attempts to deceive referees.
Only one thing can do that — an official, severe and long overdue crackdown.
Neymar should have been hit with a yellow card at the very least.
And why stop there? He was trying to get Layun sent off, after all. Show Neymar the red instead.
If the only reaction to players faking is a wry smile from the referee and a call to play on, there is no incentive to change.
But if the pretenders know they will be kicked off the field and suspended, they’ll cut it out. They would be stupid not to.
Then we can stop rolling our eyes at this nonsense and start properly appreciating Neymar’s footballing brilliance, which is undeniable.
This morning he scored one of Brazil’s goals and beautifully set up the other in a man-of-the-match performance, propelling his team into the quarterfinals.
His pace, balance and skill on the ball truly are a delight to watch — as long as he stays on his feet.
Perhaps it is old-fashioned to hope that our heroes may demonstrate a little nobility. Neymar was excellent here, by far his most effective game of the World Cup, a stripped-down, almost generous performance, but just as it seemed he might be becoming the player Brazil need him to be, he indulged in the sort of histrionics that do him and the game no favours.
Miguel Layun did tread on his ankle as he retrieved the ball, which Neymar was clutching between his feet. Perhaps it was deliberate, perhaps not, but the proximity of the fourth official and his decision to take no action suggested there was little untoward. Neymar, though, threw himself into a spasm of feigned agony with the fairly obvious intention of getting the Mexico midfielder sent off. He was at it again in the final seconds, flinging himself to the ground with a screech of anguish, only to dust himself off and trot back once satisfied no free-kick was going to be given.
Perhaps Brazilians will say that is simply jeitinho, the spirit of cunning and law-bending that runs with malign effect through so much of its society, from football to the spectacular corrupt politics, but it is cheating and it ruined what was otherwise an extremely impressive performance, both individually and from Brazil.
Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 22 show all Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 1/22 Alisson 7 Made a less than convincing start but improved towards the end of the first half and resolute in the second REUTERS 2/22 Fagner 7 Tried to get forward, but also looked vulnerable against the Mexican counter attack, and Carlos Vela down his side Getty Images 3/22 Thiago Silva 7 Kept Hernandez remarkably quiet, and had little to do directly, as most of Mexico’s danger came from the wide areas. Getty Images 4/22 Miranda 7 Good in the air and combined well with Silva to nullify Hernandez. Looked solid in defence normally a weaker element of the Brazilians EPA 5/22 Filipe Luis 6 Picked up a yellow card and struggled when left one-on-one with Lozano. Needed more support from midfield to help him, improved in the second half AFP/Getty Images 6/22 Casemiro 6 His holding position will have hoped to protect his defence from the Mexican counter attack but proved ineffective. Relied on the stars ahead of him Getty Images 7/22 Paulinho 7 Growing in importance since his move to Barcelona, Paulinho is one of the underrated players in this side – hard working but with flair to match Getty Images 8/22 Philippe Coutinho 7 Linked well with Neymar in particular but will be disappointed to fire off target when in his favoured position to the left of goal AFP/Getty Images 9/22 Willian 7 A quiet first half for a player that has showed some of what he is capable of in this World Cup but improved in the second half with his energy and skill on the break AFP/Getty Images 10/22 Neymar 8 Had a mixed game with flashes of brilliance combined with over playing and some selfish play. But he’ll be remembered for scoring one and making the second. Influential. Getty Images 11/22 Gabriel Jesus 7 Had a couple of chances with long balls played through to him, one in particular from Alisson that utilised his pace against the Mexican defence AFP/Getty Images 12/22 Guillermo Ochoa 7 Forced into a couple of routine saves in the first half but nothing spectacular, could do little for either goal from very close range AFP/Getty Images 13/22 Edson Alvarez 6 Picked up a yellow card in the first half for a poor, late challenge on Neymar and was withdrawn in the second half AFP/Getty Images 14/22 Hugo Ayala 6 One of many to tire in the second half, after an impressive first, but did stick to his task, and a couple of times dispossessed Coutinho in dangerous positions Getty Images 15/22 Carlos Salcedo 7 Had a relatively stress free game despite the attacking stars of Brazil, and the goal conceded was a well worked effort he could do little about Getty Images 16/22 Jesus Gallardo 7 Played well against Jesus, and even when beaten somehow find a way to recover despite the energy-sapping heat Getty Images 17/22 Hector Herrera 6 Had a couple of chances in attack whilst also making sure his defence were not exposed by the likes of Neymar and Coutinho AFP/Getty Images 18/22 Rafael Marquez 6 He may be 39, but Marquez dictated play, using his experience to make his teammates aware of gaps in the Brazilian defence. Withdrawn at half-time in 35C heat. Getty Images 19/22 Andres Guardado 6 Gave Mexico balance and looked promising going forward, as well as working well to get back for his team. Struggled in the second half AFP/Getty Images 20/22 Carlos Vela 6 Although sometime guilty of choosing to shoot when he could pass, he has been a danger for Mexico and has looked good on the break Getty Images 21/22 Javier Hernandez 6 Without that clear chance that he was desperate for, but good positional play, and some final balls were inches away from finding him. Withdrawn in the second half AFP/Getty Images 22/22 Hirving Lozano 8 The biggest danger in this Mexican side, his tireless running, skill and confidence posed problems for Brazil particularly on the counter AFP/Getty Images 1/22 Alisson 7 Made a less than convincing start but improved towards the end of the first half and resolute in the second REUTERS 2/22 Fagner 7 Tried to get forward, but also looked vulnerable against the Mexican counter attack, and Carlos Vela down his side Getty Images 3/22 Thiago Silva 7 Kept Hernandez remarkably quiet, and had little to do directly, as most of Mexico’s danger came from the wide areas. Getty Images 4/22 Miranda 7 Good in the air and combined well with Silva to nullify Hernandez. Looked solid in defence normally a weaker element of the Brazilians EPA 5/22 Filipe Luis 6 Picked up a yellow card and struggled when left one-on-one with Lozano. Needed more support from midfield to help him, improved in the second half AFP/Getty Images 6/22 Casemiro 6 His holding position will have hoped to protect his defence from the Mexican counter attack but proved ineffective. Relied on the stars ahead of him Getty Images 7/22 Paulinho 7 Growing in importance since his move to Barcelona, Paulinho is one of the underrated players in this side – hard working but with flair to match Getty Images 8/22 Philippe Coutinho 7 Linked well with Neymar in particular but will be disappointed to fire off target when in his favoured position to the left of goal AFP/Getty Images 9/22 Willian 7 A quiet first half for a player that has showed some of what he is capable of in this World Cup but improved in the second half with his energy and skill on the break AFP/Getty Images 10/22 Neymar 8 Had a mixed game with flashes of brilliance combined with over playing and some selfish play. But he’ll be remembered for scoring one and making the second. Influential. Getty Images 11/22 Gabriel Jesus 7 Had a couple of chances with long balls played through to him, one in particular from Alisson that utilised his pace against the Mexican defence AFP/Getty Images 12/22 Guillermo Ochoa 7 Forced into a couple of routine saves in the first half but nothing spectacular, could do little for either goal from very close range AFP/Getty Images 13/22 Edson Alvarez 6 Picked up a yellow card in the first half for a poor, late challenge on Neymar and was withdrawn in the second half AFP/Getty Images 14/22 Hugo Ayala 6 One of many to tire in the second half, after an impressive first, but did stick to his task, and a couple of times dispossessed Coutinho in dangerous positions Getty Images 15/22 Carlos Salcedo 7 Had a relatively stress free game despite the attacking stars of Brazil, and the goal conceded was a well worked effort he could do little about Getty Images 16/22 Jesus Gallardo 7 Played well against Jesus, and even when beaten somehow find a way to recover despite the energy-sapping heat Getty Images 17/22 Hector Herrera 6 Had a couple of chances in attack whilst also making sure his defence were not exposed by the likes of Neymar and Coutinho AFP/Getty Images 18/22 Rafael Marquez 6 He may be 39, but Marquez dictated play, using his experience to make his teammates aware of gaps in the Brazilian defence. Withdrawn at half-time in 35C heat. Getty Images 19/22 Andres Guardado 6 Gave Mexico balance and looked promising going forward, as well as working well to get back for his team. Struggled in the second half AFP/Getty Images 20/22 Carlos Vela 6 Although sometime guilty of choosing to shoot when he could pass, he has been a danger for Mexico and has looked good on the break Getty Images 21/22 Javier Hernandez 6 Without that clear chance that he was desperate for, but good positional play, and some final balls were inches away from finding him. Withdrawn in the second half AFP/Getty Images 22/22 Hirving Lozano 8 The biggest danger in this Mexican side, his tireless running, skill and confidence posed problems for Brazil particularly on the counter AFP/Getty Images
Neymar had lost the blonde tresses, and with it, it seemed, some of the brattishness that characterised his performance in the group stage – or perhaps it was simply that Brazil here had less of the ball than they had had previously. As Mexico controlled possession early on, Neymar was reduced to watching from the left flank, waiting for Brazil to counter. At times it was possible to see in him something of later-day Cristiano Ronaldo, a supremely skilful artillery engine to be rolled into action only when the occasion demanded. The opening goal was a result of his ingenuity, a backheel that for once wasn’t a needless flourish but which unlocked the defence.
But the self-serving Neymar has not been obliterated. He still seems to regard life as a great film in which he is the lead and everybody else mere extras. Why else would he have taken on a free-kick from absurd distance just before half-time, spooning the ball well over the bar when a whipped ball into the box might have been the better option? Why else than because he thought somebody might have scripted it, that this World Cup will yet turn out to be a story in which overcomes his frustrations to emerge as the hero?
The transformation from four years ago is remarkable. Back then, he seemed remarkably mature, the only sane man in a hysterical country. The video message he gave following his injury against Colombia in the quarter-final was a model of conciliation and acceptance, but it did nothing to staunch the emotional incontinence of the semi-final, when David Luiz held up a Neymar shirt and a team whipped into a frenzy, imploded against Germany.
Tite has calmed the frenzy, despite the staggering parochialism and entitlement of much of the Brazilian media. He has created a team that plays modern, progressive, effective football. He has dragged Brazil away from the boorishness of the Dunga and Luiz Felipe Scolari dinosaur days. But he has not solved the problem of Neymar.
Perhaps the tendency has always been there. Perhaps it was the tendency that led Neymar to leave Barcelona for the vanity project of Paris St-Germain in the first place. But what is certainly true is that it has bloomed there. Like a second Sun King, his every whim has been indulged, a process that reached its apogee with his three-day birthday at which the coach Unai Emery was inveigled upon to cut the cake, an indignity clearly designed to emphasise where the power at the club lies.
Four years ago, the team’s Neymar-dependence seemed a burden he had to bear, a terrible weight for such a skilful player to carry. This time round, it has seemed at times as though he were determined to recreate it. But here, there were signs that he is slowly submitting to the collective, using his skills for the team rather than his own self-aggrandisement. But it is an ongoing process, and his undoubted brilliance is undermined by an unforgivable snideness.
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