Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

Posted Sunday, August 14, 2016 by Goal.com

The Selecao captain will renew his rivalry with the side that ended his World Cup and his Copa America as the two face off at the Olympics.

200 million held their breath as he crashed to the floor. Riving in agony, holding a back that was carrying the hopes of a nation, the dream was dead. With one clattering knee of Juan Zuniga, Neymar’s World Cup was over.

It wasn’t supposed to end like that, with a fractured vertebrae. The poster boy of a historic tournament, Neymar was supposed to lead Brazil to the promised land — to redemption for the Maracanazo of 1950, to the Selecao’s sixth world title.

Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

Tears were inevitable, but the narrative suggested they would be shed on the pitch back at the Maracana, not on a stretcher in Fortaleza. Certainly not alone, in front of a screen, addressing the nation to confirm he could play no further part.

Brazil’s quarterfinal with Colombia had been a feisty affair — one, it must be said, in which it was the hosts who set the tone, repeatedly kicking star of the tournament James Rodriguez out of his stride.

Spanish referee Carlos Velasco had let a number of rough challenges go unchecked, inexplicably refusing to brandish his yellow card for numerous tackles worthy of a caution.

Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

One year later, in Chile, Neymar and Colombia met again. This time, Neymar ended his competition himself. As the final whistle sounded, a 1-0 defeat saw Neymar blast the ball at Pablo Armero in frustration.

Tensions quickly boiled over as an all-out brawl threatened to erupt. Neymar aimed a headbutt at Jeison Murillo before clashing with Carlos Bacca.

This time the referee on hand had no trouble reaching in his pocket. Neymar was handed a straight red card. But it didn’t end there.

Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

Overcome with rage, Brazil’s captain pursued Chilean referee Enrique Osses down the tunnel, unleashing a rant that ultimately earned him a four-match suspension and a heavy fine.

Ever since, Neymar has faced criticism over his temperament in a Brazil shirt. While rarely injured, he has missed a number of matches for the Seleaco through suspension.

He himself has admitted his propensity for picking up cards had become a problem after another show of petulance saw him aim a kick at Alvaro Gonzalez in March’s World Cup qualifier with Uruguay, ruling him out of the clash with Paraguay days later.

"Ask me about the cards,” he told the press last month. "I am not perfect. It is clear that sometimes I make mistakes, but that is normal."

Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

The accusation is that the pressure to lead an underperforming Brazil to glory alone has got the better of him. And this week his disciplinary record has once again been a major talking point with the Selecao set to meet Colombia yet again, this time in Saturday’s Olympic quarterfinal at the Arena Corinthians.

But coach Rogerio Micale has no such concerns. "This is all part of the past," Micale said during a news conference Friday. "This is a different time. I'm not concerned about them provoking him. Neymar is provoked everywhere he plays, because of his quality.

"Players always try to get to him, but he is very much used to that by now. He has matured and is well prepared.”

Grudge match: Neymar set to reignite rivalry with Colombia

That the team is well prepared is perhaps more important. Wednesday’s comprehensive 4-0 hammering of Denmark suggested Micale and the Selecao Olimpica have found a solution to their early tournament problems in which Brazi’s historic overreliance on Neymar was on display once again.

The introduction of Luan and a 4-2-4 formation relieved Neymar of some of the attacking burden, as a cohesive and dynamic Brazil side attacking collectively.

200 million will once again hold their breath Saturday as Neymar hopes to lead Brazil past another obstacle on the road to a first Olympic gold medal in soccer.

Colombia stands in their way. And this time Neymar hopes there will be no tears of any kind.