Luiz Felipe Scolari has praised Brazil superstar Neymar and rejected claims the 22-year-old dives.
The Brazil head coach lauded the maturity of the Barcelona attacker and believes he plays with more experience than his young years could gather.
AS reported comments, with Football Espana quoting Scolari, he said: “Neymar was hit hard in the first play.
“I remember when I coached Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006, he dribbles past a player from the Netherlands and 15 minutes later he had to leave the pitch.
“Neymar’s thigh is swollen. I don’t understand why people say he dives.
“Today about 15 fouls were whistled on Alexis Sánchez and he dived 15 times.
“Neymar’s efforts have to be valued and he deserves some positive words. We have three, four or five days to get him back on the field.
“He’s 22-years-old but plays like he’s 35. He’s mature and has been ready since he was 18. He’s been fighting despite his injury problems.”
Scolari will hope Neymar can recover fully from the knocks he received against the Chileans with Colombia up next on Friday evening.
