Midfielder Luiz Gustavo: Brazil ready with or without Neymar

The Brazilian national team is ready to show a good performance with or without striker star Neymar. The statement was made by midfielder Luiz Gustavo, who participated Tuesday (Jun 10) in a press conference at Granja Comary ahead of the opening match – Brazil x Croatia, to be held on Thursday in São Paulo.

Next to fellow midfielder Ramires, Luiz Gustavo was speaking in response to a journalist who asked what the role of Neymar was in the team. First, he praised Neymar, saying that the latter will be ranked among the best in the world, and that he is the kind of player whose performance may be decisive in a tight match. Then, Luiz Gustavo pointed out that other remarkable athletes have been chosen for the country’s line-up.

“I believe the national team is very well-prepared to play, with or without Neymar. We’ve got 23 high-quality players, who may come in and help. They may change our style a little, but the change will be neither for the better nor for the worse. What makes our team what it is is these 23 players, and surely if it so happens that he doesn’t feel well some day and has to be replaced, whoever comes in will use his skills to do what he can and help us the best way possible,” said Luiz Gustavo.

Ramires said the atmosphere among players is one of playfulness. However, he admitted the upcoming opening match has made everybody feel tenser.

“The group’s feeling very playful. It’s always been a playful and cheerful group. But as the opener draws nearer, you can feel there’s a bit more anxiety, but I think it’s normal. All of those who are taking part in the World Cup, [have felt as though] there were butterflies in their stomachs ever since the line-up came out. It’s all being eager [to do a great job], and we want this feeling to help us during the game,” Ramires noted.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira