DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Neymar is in Brazil’s starting lineup for the game against South Korea in the round of 16 of the World Cup. on Monday.
The star forward had not played since he injured his right ankle in the team’s first group game against Serbia. Coach Tite had said that Neymar would play from the start at Estadio 974 depending on how he did in training on Sunday..
Neymar has 75 goals for Brazil, two less than the all-time record set by the great soccer player Pelé.
Danilo, who also injured his ankle in Brazil’s opener, joined Neymar in the starting XI against South Korea. However, he was ready to play in the left-back position because Alex Sandro was sidelined with a hip injury. The other left-back, Alex Telles, was not called up with a knee injury sustained in Brazil’s loss to Cameroon in their last group game. Central defender Éder Militão was in the right-back position.
Neymar’s teammates in attack will be Vinícius Júnior, Richarlison and Raphinha.
Gabriel Jesús was also eliminated from the squad due to a knee injury.
Brazil is trying to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the eighth time in a row. South Korea has not made it past the round of 16 since its historic run to the semifinals at the tournament it co-hosted in 2002.
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