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Neymar: Martin O’Neill makes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi claim about Brazil star
NEYMAR is desperate to match and outdo the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the World Cup.
That is the opinion of ITV pundit and Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.
Ahead of Brazil’s final group game against Serbia tonight, Neymar had scored once in his two appearances at the tournament so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored four for Portugal, with Messi scoring his only goal in Argentina’s dramatic win over Nigeria last night.
O’Neill was not happy with Neymar’s gesticulating to the officials in the win over Costa Rica on Saturday.
He wants to put himself up there alongside Ronaldo and Messi, absolutely no question about that
But he expected Neymar and Brazil to up their game tonight against Serbia.
“He spent his time refereeing the game and finally he was warned by the official referee, which probably helped a bit,” O’Neill said.
“He’s a very fine player, there’s no question about that. He is desperate to do well in this competition.
“He wants to put himself up there alongside Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, absolutely no question about that.
Neymar 'just trying to get into the game' according to O'Neill
“Has he risen to those heights yet in this particular competition? I think time will tell.
“I think they have improved. I thought they were stodgy against Switzerland, I thought there were times they did very well against Costa Rica.
“I’m expecting a big game from them tonight.”