Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo has told reporters on the eve of the World Cup that the hosts can cope with any eventuality, including the loss of Neymar through form or injury.
The Wolfsburg defensive protector, 25, said that Selecao now have the strength in depth to adapt to different conditions during the tournament: “I believe the national team is very well prepared to play with or without Neymar.”
“There are 23 well-qualified players that can go in and help and maybe it might change our style, but it’s not a question of playing better or worse.”
“We do everything in our power with these 23 players, and, of course, if one day he isn’t well and needs to be substituted, of course whoever goes in will do whatever he can within his abilities and help us in the best way possible.”
The wait is almost over for expectant fans across the globe; Brazil versus Croatia gets the World Cup underway tomorrow evening at 2100GMT.
Follow live updates on sambafoot.com from an hour beforehand, with news of the teams and any last minute quotes from the home camp.
