Brazil star Neymar’s phone reveals his mindset ahead of World Cup knockout game against South Korea

While there was doubt over whether Neymar would be fit to take his place in Brazil’s World Cup knockout match against South Korea, there appears to be little doubt in the PSG superstar’s mind that his tournament is far from over.

Following Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia, Neymar missed its last two games with an ankle injury, and it was doubtful if he would be fit for the quarter-finals if the team advanced.

The South American tournament favourites lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their final group match and will now face South Korea in an elimination match with the winner to make the quarter finals. 

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar rated Neymar a ‘possibility’ to return against South Korea while coach Tite simply replied ‘yes’ when asked on Sunday if he will play.

‘He has a specific training, so I don’t anticipate any situation,’ Tite said when pressed.

Neymar was pictured holding his phone at the World Cup with the trophy itself set as his background

But it appears there is no doubt in Neymar’s mind that he will play a big role in guiding Brazil to glory, with the attacking threat spotted on the sidelines at the World Cup with a very telling image on his phone.

The 30-year-old has set a picture of the World Cup trophy as the background on his device, highlighting his hunger to return to the pitch and restore his team to the top of world football.

His inclusion would be massive for Brazil, who are also missing defender Danilo and left-back Alex Sandro, while striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Alex Telles have been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

Sandro is unlikely to return against South Korea, although Neymar and Danilo are in the frame. 

‘Regarding Neymar and Alex Sandro, we think we have time on our hands and there is a possibility,’ Lasmar said.

Neymar has returned to training for Brazil and it is hoped that he will return for their must-win match against South Korea

‘Let’s wait [and see] what their transition will be. They have still not started to practice with the ball and it’s something they will do tomorrow. It will be important to see how they respond to this new style, so depending on that, we will make a call.

‘Danilo has been evolving very positively and today he did intense work with the ball and has adapted functionally very positively. The expectation is tomorrow he will be able to train normally with all players.

‘Let’s observe what happens and if everything is OK, we have very high expectations that he will be available for the next match.’

Brazil will play South Korea in their round of 16 World Cup match at 7pm Monday, UK time.