Replacing Neymar: Who does Scolari turn to in absence of star striker?

Sport360 staff 13:18 06/07/2014
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  • Down and out: Neymar has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.

    Thiago Silva wants Brazil to go all the way on home soil in tribute to injured star Neymar – and he is confident they can do so.

    There was a flat feeling around Fortaleza late on Friday night as the extent of Neymar’s injury began to filter through to the locals.

    The Brazilian Football Confederation had confirmed Neymar would miss the rest of the World Cup because of a fractured vertebra he suffered after being kneed in the back by Juan Zuniga.

    Their best player may be out, but Silva insists Brazil’s dreams of lifting the trophy on home soil for the first time remain very much alive. The Brazil captain was saddened to hear of Neymar’s injury, but after the match he was buoyant about his team’s chances of lifting the trophy on July 13 in the Maracana.

    “We have proposed to win the World Cup for Neymar because of the injury he suffered,” the Paris Saint-Germain defender said. “This moment could mark the start of a revolution for us. He hopes and expects a lot from this group, and this could unite us, it could give us more determination to win.”

    Neymar may be 22-years-old but he has dragged Brazil through this tournament so far. The Barcelona forward’s pace, trickery and eye for goal make him a nightmare to defend against.

    “Neymar is very important for us. We depend a lot on him and he makes the difference in our group,” said Silva, who put Brazil ahead with an early strike. “But in the place of Neymar, we can play either Willian or Bernard, who have similar characteristics.

    “This is the moment to show the strength of the squad.”

    REPLACING NEYMAR

    WILLIAN

    Why: The most likely and balanced option. Naturally left-footed, Willian could slot in, offering creativity, but also workrate and discipline.
    Why not: Luiz Felipe Scolari may use Neymar’s injury as an opportunity to introduce a more defensive player or to change the shape.

    RAMIRES

    Why: The Chelsea man would provide a more defensive option which may appeal to Scolari, who has used Ramires frequently from the bench. He is also tenacious and a tireless worker.
    Why not: Offers less going forward so the onus really would be on Hulk, Fred and Oscar to provide the firepower.

    BERNARD

    Why: The most bold of Scolari’s options. Bernard’s pace and skill would offer more from an attacking perspective and could provide more service to Fred.
    Why not: The winger is inexperienced and wouldn’t offer much from a defensive point of view. Scolari’s riskiest option.

    LUIZ GUSTAVO

    Why: Bringing back the midfielder and changing shape to a 4-3-3 with Hulk, Fred and Oscar up front is another option.
    Why not: Scolari may be reluctant to change shape, while it would also diminish the team’s attacking edge.

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