Brazil left Doha for the unknown. Boss Tite stepped down as planned and stalwart defenders Thiago Silva and Dani Alves accepted that their dream of winning the World Cup as players was over.
‘Who knows if in the future I will get the chance in another role,’ said Chelsea’s centre-half Silva.
Neymar called for some time to consider his decision. ‘My head is still hot and I am not thinking straight,’ said the Paris Saint-Germain forward after the exit.
‘To say it’s the end would be rushing myself but I don’t guarantee anything, either.’
At 30, Neymar could still be playing at the top level when the next World Cup arrives in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026 but he has carried the burden of expectation through his professional life and came to Qatar with great hopes that this could be his tournament.
He was struck by an ankle injury in the group stage, missing two games before scoring a brilliant opening goal during extra-time in Friday’s quarter-final against Croatia. The strike hauled him on to 77 goals for his country, level with Pele at the top of the Brazil charts.
It seemed likely to be enough to see Brazil marching on to the semi-finals of this Qatar World Cup, but it proved to be not enough as Tite’s side conceded a late equaliser and then lost on penalties.
Having set out to win their first World Cup for 20 years, in the hope of dedicating the success to icon Pele, who is in hospital in ill health, they were instead consoled yesterday by the 82-year-old legend.
‘I saw you grow,’ said Pele, in a message to Neymar on social media.
‘I cheered for you every day and I can finally congratulate you for reaching my number of goals with Brazil. We both know that this is more than a figure. Our biggest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our team-mates of today, the next generations and, above all, everyone who loves our sport.
‘Unfortunately, this is not the happiest day for us. My record was set almost 50 years ago and nobody managed to get near it until now. You got there, kid. That shows how great your achievement is.
‘Keep inspiring us. I will keep punching the air with joy for every goal you score as I did in every match I saw you on the pitch.’
Kuebceipyz
0
C’mon Monkeys, Dance more
real Indian mf
luoclnpu
0
You can now dance your way back to Brazil. in the plane or choose to walk
AnupMaharjan
0
Your point is whoever he chooses you also got something to say.
nope...but Fred above all those in form midfilders and better than him.........
iffy1985
2
The greatest pain ever
Martinho10_890
0
Best but can’t win? 😂😂😂😂
They were the best, there was just no luck. Why are you laughing?
nauikmosy
0
tits is never a good manager......last world cup he choose hesus over firmino....firmino was world class that time.... this year he choose Fred over Fabino and Guimaraes......he didn't gave game time to martinelli....and left Firmino from the squad.... Rucharlson and Jesus will never be as good as firmino....
Your point is whoever he chooses you also got something to say.
nauikmosy
0
You guys played the best football in this world cup, it's hard lucky that got you out,,,,Am still supporting you.
Best but can’t win? 😂😂😂😂
Ciuabceilo
0
You guys played the best football in this world cup, it's hard lucky that got you out,,,,Am still supporting you.
NCKopites30
0
Brazil i love you guys so much Don't be sad i know how it feels being your biggest fan it hurts so much but u can show next wc what u guys really are Don't worry u guys played so well its all because of luck i will always support in your bad and good times too and i kno there are millions and millions of people who loves you so much and will always support u 💖 💗 💓 💛 ❤ don't lose hope Brazil remember u guys are legend and will be legend forever [Comeon]
Bavarian1996
2
C’mon Monkeys, Dance more
AnupMaharjan
1
tits is never a good manager......last world cup he choose hesus over firmino....firmino was world class that time.... this year he choose Fred over Fabino and Guimaraes......he didn't gave game time to martinelli....and left Firmino from the squad.... Rucharlson and Jesus will never be as good as firmino....
skychilee
1
Brazil really won our hearts by their magical performance.Wish them all the best for next World Cup.
Its really seems a very good chance for Brazil to win the WC this time after waiting for 20 years. After they have scored 1:0 during the additional time. I don’t know was it team tactic to still fully participate in offend ? Or was it players themselves were in the high mood, giving away the sense and importance of defend in the last few minutes ? The result had just been reversed. As a loyal Brazilian fans, I sorry for the WC exist of Neymar and the team. Hope we can wait and see super hero again, who can lead the team to regain the glory again 4 years later.
Mapabeimru
2
ddnt they know Croatia does not tolerate guys who tint their hair....they kick them out
Five world cups baby, so cry some more, many best world footballers more than any other, responsible for the game being called the beautiful game played by samba boys. Best World Cup player in pele having won 3 world cups yep THREE !!! So yes cry some your pain is understandable 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
luhbcimz
0
ddnt they know Croatia does not tolerate guys who tint their hair....they kick them out
luhbcimz
0
Brazil is one of the best team in the World, who can defeated France there is no other team to win France.
uuummmmm I do not agree about that...
Rezdeimop
3
Brazil is one of the best team in the World, who can defeated France there is no other team to win France.
Nodciknp
1
Argentina is my team but make no mistake football cannot exist without Brazil. Some of my favourite players are from Brazil.
ToxicPerson
2
Brazil really won our hearts by their magical performance.Wish them all the best for next World Cup.
AMCrules
2
Let us not lie to ourselves, but this brazil squad and their fans became too confident and arrogant for their own gud.