Ahead of their World Cup qualifying game against Colombia, Neymar, the Brazilian star has already been tackled to the ground. The tackle, in this instance, was of a different kind as two pitch invaders managed to avoid the security ring at the training session being conducted at Manaus and tackled Neymar onto the ground.
On the arrival of the stewards, the fans/invaders were seen sprinting around as they tried to avoid being grappled to the ground by the stewards. The Brazilian, though, was unperturbed and instead showed good humour as he was rugby tackled to the ground.
The Brazilian showed concern and even helped the fan to his feet and was trying to ensure the well-being. In the video, Neymar can be seen explaining to the concerned officials to move away as he acknowledged the fan and there was even a friendly pat on the fan’s cheek as he was finally led away.
(Video Courtesy: 101 Goals YouTube Channel)
The fans were attending an open practice session on Sunday which had an attendance of almost 15,000 people.
Other than security concerns, the fitness levels of the stewards could also be assessed, given the agility with which the fan avoided the stewards.
The Brazilian is considered one of the finest players of his generation and commands superstar status back home in Brazil. In the recently concluded Olympic games, Neymar helped his national side to the gold medal at the Maracana. It was Brazil’s first gold medal in Olympic football and Neymar was the architect in his side’s run to the final. To make it more dramatic, Neymar’s kick was the winning kick in the decisive penalty shoot-out.
While it is too early to say that the scars of the 7-1 World Cup drubbing have healed, it was a step in the right direction as Neymar takes up the mantle of the chief protagonist in the resurrection of Brazilian football.
With the World Cup qualifiers already underway, Brazil currently lie fifth in the table of the CONMEBOL zone, with Argentina leading the table with 14 points.
Brazil have won three, drawn three and have lost one game.
The CONMEBOL qualification is played between the South American nations, with the top four qualifying automatically for the World Cup. The team which finishes fifth will have to play a play-off match against an Asian nation.
