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Neymar Is Training Hard For World Cup Quarter-Final Against Belgium

Neymar Is Training Hard For World Cup Quarter-Final Against Belgium

And Neymar wins gold in the men's 10m diving.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Neymar has spent 14 minutes on the ground at the World Cup this summer and we're on in the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Let's just compare that to the 22 minutes Paulo Dybala spent on the actual pitch for Argentina. Yes, it's bloody ridiculous.

The Brazilian was criticised in the group stage for his over-dramatic diving antics and Monday's round of 16 tie was the last straw for many. Mexico defender Miguel Layún appeared to stand on the 26-year-old but Neymar's reaction angered viewers.


He rolled around on the floor like he'd been seriously injured but minutes later, the forward was running like normal.

The thing is, Neymar himself was having none of it and after the game, he said others were trying to undermine him:

"I think it's more an attempt to undermine me than anything else.

"I don't much care for criticism, not even for praise because this can influence in a way the athlete's attitude. In the last two matches I didn't talk to the press because there are too many people talking, getting excited. I don't know if they're showing off. I am here to win with my teammates."

Days after the backlash, Neymar has responded to the critics by practicing his diving in training.

It looks like it was a joke but it doesn't exactly do him any favours, especially if he continues to throw himself around against Belgium in tonight's quarter-final clash.


Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said the following about Neymar's diving antics:

"I think it's a shame for football. We wasted a lot of time because of one player. We stopped too often.

"I think this is a very negative example for the world of football and all the children who are following this game. This is a strong sport, a man's sport and I think there shouldn't be so much acting."

Thoughts on his actions?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: Football News, Belgium, Football, Neymar, World Cup, Brazil