For a country as powerful as Brazil, especially talking about football, 20 years is a very long time for them to not have won the FIFA World Cup. The year 2022 makes it exactly 29 years since the last time the Selecao did it and it had become an issue of major concern.

It was a huge heartbreak for Brazil as Messi and Argentina ensured that the COPA America title would not be won by the Selecao following a thrilling final fixture between the two South American heavyweight countries. Both teams were the best two of the tournament and they showed that by moving past every single stage of the competition till they set up a tie worthy of being the final of the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar Jr has already established himself as one of the best players in the world and he has deserved the credits that have been given to him in recent years. However, despite his talent and fine performances on the pitch in club and country's colors, he has come under huge criticism in recent times for failing to come up clutch when it matters most in some cases. Following his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain some years ago, he has not been able to achieve his aim of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Before you quickly disagree, remember that the stats are always there to prove facts right or wrong. Eden Hazard is a top, top player, and is only battling to go straight consecutive games without sustaining injuries at Real Madrid, but no disrespect to him, he's not as good as Neymar is.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has stated that Neymar continues to remain an important player within the first-team squad and he has nothing new to update with regards to the attacker’s future. The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move away from Parc des Princes this summer with reports emerging that he is desperate to make the comeback with Barcelona.

Owing to this, there has been constant speculation over the forward’s future but speaking after the 3-0 win over Sydney FC, Tuchel stressed that there has been no change to the player’s position with the club, he said: "There is nothing new [to report] about Neymar. For me, he is our player, we train with him. It’s a question for the club and Neymar. For me, he’s in the dressing room, he’s training, he’s still my player. There is nothing new."

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has backed Neymar to bounce back after his average showing for Brazil during the summer World Cup. The 26-year-old was injured for Paris Saint-Germain during the final three months of the previous campaign but he thereafter struggled to inspire Tite’s men to glory at the World Cup.

As a result, there has been plenty of criticism from the Brazil faithful regarding his showing but Tuchel has backed Neymar to return to his old self with Les Parisiens, he said: “Everything impacts everything. I don't think he needed this to be extra motivated. Of course, the whole Brazilian team expected more. Of course, it affects your approach to the players.

Brazil legend Kaka has defended Neymar amid the criticism levied upon him by some of the country’s former players. The Selecao endured another World Cup disappointment after they were ousted in the quarter-final by Belgium and shortly after, most of the blame was placed on Neymar despite the forward contributing two goals.

Speaking to Omnisport, Kaka felt that the criticism towards Neymar was disproportionate and believes the attacker had a good campaign at the age of 26, he said: “This search for the one to blame is what I don't agree with too much. Brazil lost. It wasn't Neymar who lost.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo has admitted that he expected more from Neymar during the summer World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain ace only managed to score two goals for the Selecao during the tournament and they were eventually ousted at the quarter-final stage by Belgium, much to the frustration and disappointment of their supporters.

Speaking to Spanish publication Sport, Ronaldo stressed that the nation expected more from Neymar at the global tournament. He added to sympathise with the former Santos star believing that he may have struggled to completely recover from the broken metatarsal whichrequired a surgery three months prior to the World Cup.

Roberto Carlos has backed Brazil to come up triumphs at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia. The South American nation suffered a shock 7-1 drowning at the hands of Germany in the semi-final stage four years ago, but the 44-year-old believes the current crop of players are capable of beating Joachim Loew’s side to the crown.

Brazil international Neymar has made a sparkling start to his Paris Saint-Germain career, but the move would not have happened, had he listened to his father's advice.

Speaking on TF1's Telefoot, Neymar Sr admitted that he was reluctant to see his son leave the Camp Nou, but ultimately supported the forward's decision to move to the French capital, he said: "I was the one who hesitated until the last moment. I told him that the best choice was to stay but he wanted to take a risk. It was difficult, but Neymar wanted this challenge and we supported him. We were all proud when he was presented at PSG. To see Neymar projected onto the Eiffel Tower was incredible. He loves everything here."