Neymar thankful he's not in a wheelchair now

Neymar thankful he's not in a wheelchair now 

Neymar thankful he's not in a wheelchair now  - Neymar became emotional when talking Thursday about the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, saying that if the knee to his back had been slightly more to one side he "could be in a wheelchair" right now. 

The Brazil striker cried as he recalled the injury, saying "God blessed" him and prevented a more serious injury. Neymar had to stop talking for several seconds, lowering his head and putting a hand in front of his eyes. 

"It's difficult to talk about a move that (happened) in such an important moment of my career," he said. 

Neymar fractured his third vertebra when defender Juan Camilo Zuniga hit him from behind in a challenge late in the quarterfinal match against Colombia. 

"If it had been 2 centimeters to the center...," he said, struggling to stay composed. "I could be in a wheelchair." 

The 22-year-old striker complained about Zuniga's challenge, although he said the Colombian called to apologize. 

"I don't know if he was trying to hurt me, but if you understand football you know that it was not a normal challenge," Neymar said. "I can't protect myself when I'm not facing the play. The only thing that can protect me from someone coming from behind are the rules. I couldn't protect myself and I ended getting hurt." 

Neymar had been recovering at home but returned to the team's training camp on Thursday. He will travel with the squad to Brasilia to support them in the third-place match against the Netherlands on Saturday. 

Neymar said the injury led to "the worst week of his life," one that culminated — in his absence — with Brazil's 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the semifinals. He said he didn't know how to explain what happened, and that it would be "unfair for this group" to be remembered by that result alone. 

"It would have been all right to lose, but not like this. It was unbelievable, inexplicable," Neymar said. "I don't have the words to explain what happened." 

He said the loss was "part of football," and that he thought Brazil had the potential to rebound and win the next World Cup. 

"We can't lower our heads," he said. "It will hurt for a long time, but better days will come." 

He wished luck to Germany and Argentina in Sunday's final, but said he hopes the South Americans will come out on top. He plays at Barcelona with Argentina stars Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano. 

"I'm not cheering for Argentina, I'm cheering for my teammates," he said and adding that it would be good for football to have Messi winning a world title. "He deserves to be a world champion," he said. "I'm Messi Football Club." ( republika.co.id )

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Neymar inspires Brazil to victory - Was there ever any doubt?

Brazil advances to knockout stages 

Neymar inspires Brazil to victory -- Was there ever any doubt? -- When it mattered most, the man which this Brazilian team's quest may depend on, delivered once again. 

Neymar, the face of this World Cup, scored his fourth goal in three games to book his country a date with destiny and Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, for so long hailed as the savior of Brazilian football, has not disappointed at a time where the likes of Portugal's World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo have flattered to deceive. 

 

Photos: Every goal from the World Cup 

 

World Cup: The best photos from June 23 

While Lionel Messi has rescued Argentina, Neymar's 35th goal in 52 international appearances gives an insight into how crucial his role is likely to be in the next few weeks should Brazil go all the way. 

His two goals and further strikes from the much maligned Fred and substitute Fernandinho ensured Brazil claimed a 4-1 win over Cameroon and secured top spot in Group A. 

Mexico, which defeated Croatia 3-1, took second place and will now face the Netherlands in Fortaleza on Sunday. 

But the night belonged to Neymar -- the man who scored the 100th goal of this tournament in his country's 100th match World Cup match. 

Brazil will need its talisman to provide his magic once again when it meets Chile, a team which it knocked out of the tournament four years ago in South Africa. 

Jorge Sampaoli's men will represent a far more difficult proposition than a Cameroon side which briefly threatened to cause embarrassment by drawing level at 1-1. 

But Neymar, having already netted the opener, then took charge by scoring his side's second and guiding Brazil home. 

Cameroon, thrashed 4-0 in its previous game by Croatia and already out of the tournament, was hardly supposed to represent the most difficult of challenges. 

Leading through Neymar's 17th minute strike, Brazil allowed Cameroon back into the contest as its cumbersome defending was once again exposed. 

Just minutes after Joel Matip's header had been deflected onto the crossbar, Cameroon leveled to silence those packed inside the Arena Pernambuco. 

Allan Nyom escaped down the right and after beating the non-existent challenge of Dani Alves, crossed for Matip to tap home from close range. 

Suddenly, from a carnival of color and celebration, a dark cloud hung over Brazil's World Cup dream. 

But any negativity was soon washed away by a rampant yellow swagger which ripped through the very heart of the Cameroon defense. 

Neymar, the chief tormentor, was afforded far too much room and after leading the defenders a samba-like dance, he unleashed a fine effort which wrongfooted the goalkeeper. 

Suddenly Brazil was rampant. Neymar threatened a third when his powerful effort was tipped away by Charles Itandje, while Hulk failed to hit the target after a wonderful flowing move. 

The interval offered little respite for Cameroon and within five minutes it fell further behind when the previously luckless Fred converted David Luiz's cross to net his first goal of the tournament. 

Fernandinho, the Manchester City midfielder, added a fourth with six minutes remaining to ensure Brazil finished top on goal difference from Mexico. 

"Maybe we tried to hurry things a bit too much early on, when we scored our first goal and let anxiety get to us," Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said after the match. 

"We need to show more calm and composure. Fortunately we ironed out some flaws at half-time and after the break we used the ball better again." 

El Tri had threatened to usurp the host nation at the top of the table after putting Croatia to the sword in Recife. 

After a goalless first half, Rafael Marquez, the first man to captain his country at four World Cups, headed Mexico in front with 18 minutes remaining. 

Andres Guardado rounded off a slick counter attack soon after to double his side's advantage before Manchester United star Javier Hernandez added a third. 

It was a just reward for Mexico, which hit the crossbar in the first half and was denied what appeared to be a blatant penalty with the game still goalless. 

"(We'll) have a few more great days yet," Miguel Herrera, the Mexico manager said. "There is still room for improvement. We stayed calm and maintained our focus, that was the key to success." 

Croatia, which could have qualified with a victory, pulled a goal back through Ivan Perisic but was then reduced to 10 men when Ante Rebic was sent off. 

Mexico will now face a Dutch side which won all three of its group games and reached the final in South Africa four years ago. ( cnn.com )

READ MORE - Neymar inspires Brazil to victory - Was there ever any doubt?

Brazil aiming to put World Cup focus on the games

Brazil's Neymar practices during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Brazil aiming to put World Cup focus on the games — The problem-plagued preparations have been well chronicled, with critics condemning the range of issues from budget blowouts to construction delays.

Organizers need Brazil to kick off the tournament with a win over Croatia on Thursday to shift the focus back to what the host nation really cares about: winning a sixth World Cup. Brazil hasn't hosted the tournament since 1950, when it lost to Uruguay in the title match, and that only adds to local expectations.

"We have to do everything possible to win this World Cup," Brazil midfielder Ramires said. "We know everybody is expecting us to do it."

With that in mind, let the games begin.

Here are some things to look for Thursday:

NEYMAR'S MOMENT: Carrying the hopes of a nation is something that gives the 22-year-old Brazil striker goose bumps.

Workers cover themselves from the rain with a plastic as they leave a 2014 soccer World Cup venue, the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. The 2014 World Cup is set to begin Thursday, with Brazil and Croatia competing in the opening match in Sao Paulo. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

"The time everybody has been waiting for has arrived," said Neymar, who will direct the attack for a team that is aiming to "fulfill the dream of every Brazilian by winning the title."

The Barcelona forward has scored 31 goals in 49 matches for Brazil, but he says it's not a one-man show.

"I don't play by myself," Neymar said. "There are 11 players on the field, and everybody knows their role and what they need to do to try to help our team make it far in the tournament."

SPOILERS: Croatia will shock the host nation and the world if they come away with even a draw, particularly without Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic, who was suspended following a red card in a playoff to qualify.

Croatia, which surprisingly finished third in 1998, features Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitic, who is moving to Barcelona and will be Neymar's teammate.

Brazil's Neymar gestures during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Croatia coach Niko Kovac said his team can deliver a "historic result" in Sao Paulo.

EDGE OF THEIR SEATS: With hundreds of millions of people watching on TV, organizers at Itaquerao stadium have extra cause to be edgy about preparations.

The Sao Paulo venue is set to hold a capacity crowd for the first time in the opening match of the World Cup.

The 61,600 spectators will certainly test the facility and put a strain on safety plans and equipment, which was still receiving finishing touches Wednesday after chronic delays, worker deaths and other problems during construction.

Just two matches — and none with more than 37,000 fans — were held at the Itaquerao to test its readiness.

Croatia's Luka Modric plays with the ball during an official training session the day before the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

WE ARE ONE: J.Lo is likely to perform at the World Cup after all. Jennifer Lopez told The Associated Press earlier this week that she would be flying to Brazil in time to perform during Thursday's opening ceremony.

"We always were going," she said. "I think people get anxious, especially with me and my schedule ... but we are definitely going."

FIFA officials had announced earlier this week that the singer wouldn't perform the official tune "We Are One (Ole Ola)" alongside Pitbull and Claudia Leitte.

UPSET WATCH: Brazil has won 15 of its last 16 games and heads into the World Cup as a favorite to win the title, but Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad is aware that there's no easy opener at the sport's marquee event.

The World Cup has produced its share of shockers on opening day. Until 2006, the first game usually involved the defending champion, not the host. Two of the biggest: Cameroon upset defending champion Argentina 1-0 in 1990, and defending champion France lost 1-0 to Senegal in 2002.  ( Associated Press )

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I will end my career at Santos : Neymar

Neymar: 'I will end my career at Santos' - Brazil star Neymar intends to finish his career where it all started at Santos, but could also represent other clubs in Brazil.

The 22-year-old left Santos for Barcelona in June last year in his first move to a European club, and he has been tipped to star at the FIFA World Cup.

While a return to his homeland appears a long time away, Neymar said he would definitely play in Brazil again – with his final season to be at Santos.

Neymar: 'I will end my career at Santos'

"This is something to think about, I want to play for another team in Brazil, it wouldn't be a problem to sit down and hear an offer," Neymar said.

"The club can be from Sao Paulo, from Rio de Janeiro or from any other state of Brazil, the only that is certain is that I will end my career at Santos."

Neymar said there were several reasons behind his decision to leave Santos, including a new challenge in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

"It wasn't just about the money, that's not why I left," he said.

"I wanted to live a dream, play other competitions, play the Champions League, grow, evolve, learn another language, that's what motivated me to come to the European continent." ( goal.com )

READ MORE - I will end my career at Santos : Neymar

Lionel Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller

Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller - Barcelona moved to within a point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as they twice came from behind thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick to edge a thrilling El Clasico 4-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The sides went in level 2-2 at half-time as a record 19th goal against Madrid from Messi cancelled out Karim Benzema's double after Andres Iniesta had put Barca in front.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi grabs the ball after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Pierre-Philippe Marcou)      

       

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Gerard Julien). 

Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos is shown a red card during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Gerard Julien). 

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Pierre-Philippe Marcou). 

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Diego Lopez (top) jumps over Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar during the Spanish league "Clasico" football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 23, 2014 (AFP Photo/Dani Pozo). 

Cristiano Ronaldo then put Madrid back in front from the penalty spot, but the hosts were reduced to 10-men when Sergio Ramos pulled down Neymar inside the box 10 minutes later and Messi levelled once more from the spot.

And the Argentine won the game with another penalty seven minutes from time after Iniesta had been felled by Xabi Alonso.

A first defeat for Real in 32 games means Atletico Madrid remain top of the table thanks to their better head-to-head record against Los Blancos with Barca still in third.

"The league starts a new now," said Barca boss Gerardo Martino.

"More than the mathematical distance we were behind, the impression was people wrote us off. Atletico Madrid were always in the fight and I think that after this result we are too.

"We knew if we didn't win tonight it was over for us. We still don't have matters in our own hands, but we'll now fight till the end."

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, lamented Ramos' game-changing red card when Madrid had just gotten themselves back in front.

"I haven't seen it again and it is difficult for me to comment on the decisions of the referee because there were many.

"However, it was the key moment. We were winning 3-2 and controlling the game well, but it is much more difficult to control the game with a player less."

The game got off to a blistering start as after Neymar and Benzema had early efforts easily saved, Barca opened the scoring when Messi played in Iniesta behind the Real defence and the Spanish international smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.

Benzema had a great chance to equalise five minutes later when he spooned Angel Di Maria's cut-back over after a great a jinking run from the Argentine had taken him past three Barca defenders.

Messi could then have made it 2-0 when he fired wide with the type of opening he is normally deadly with as he raced onto Cesc Fabregas' fine through ball.

Benzema made amends for his earlier miss 20 minutes in when Victor Valdes just failed to keep out his header from Di Maria's cross.

The Frenchman then completed a rapid turnaround for the hosts as Javier Mascherano misjudged another Di Maria centre from the left and Benzema took a touch before firing past the helpless Valdes.

Gerard Pique had to make a vital clearance off the line to prevent a hat-trick of Di Maria assists for Benzema.

- Controversial penalty award -

Barca responded before half-time and were level when Messi controlled a loose ball inside the area and slotted home at Diego Lopez's near post.

Benzema could still have put Madrid in front at the break as his looping header from Dani Carvajal's cross crept inches past the post.

The first opportunity of the second period also fell to Benzema after a terrific run and pass from Gareth Bale, but this time Valdes managed to make the save low to his right.

Carlo Ancelotti's men did retake the lead on 55 minutes when referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco controversially awarded a penalty for a trip on Ronaldo by Alves despite the contact appearing to take place outside the area.

Ronaldo was unmoved, though, as he got up to take hammer the resulting spot-kick low past Valdes' outstretched right hand.

However, the game turned again 25 minutes from time when Messi released Neymar and he was brought down by Ramos.

Real's captain for the evening was shown his 19th red card for Los Blancos for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and Messi converted from the spot to make it 3-3.

Alves then struck the inside of the post from 25 yards as Barca went in search of the goal that would salvage their title chances.

And they got it when Mallenco awarded a third penalty of the evening as Iniesta tumbled inside the area and Messi again dispatched it perfectly high past Lopez. (AFP)

READ MORE - Lionel Messi hat-trick sees Barca past Real in seven-goal thriller

Messi another player when he's with Argentina : Pele

Messi another player when he's with Argentina : Pele - Pele says Lionel Messi is not as good for Argentina as he is for Barcelona as a result of a lack of understanding with his international teammates.

Messi has been criticized throughout his career by those in his homeland, who believe he tries harder in Blaugrana colours than the blue and white of his nation, though Pele is certain there is another reason behind his differing form.

Pele: Messi another player when he's with Argentina             

"When you see him playing with Barcelona, he is Messi, but when you see him playing for Argentina, he is another Messi," the 73-year-old told Marca. "With Barcelona he is surrounded by two or three excellent players like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta to help him. With Argentina it is different because it is more difficult to connect with his teammates. It's a completely different Messi."

The Brazil legend then turned his attention to Neymar and praised his decision to join Barcelona last summer as the perfect move to prepare himself for the World Cup this summer.

He added: "It's his first World Cup and no one knows exactly what's going to happen. It's a big responsibility for him. 

"He was very good at Santos, but his best decision was to go and play in Spain, in Europe. For Brazil, it's like he's gone off to university for six months. He'll gain experience and that'll be fantastic for him."

The three-time World Cup winner added that he feels confident Brazil can win the World Cup on home soil thanks to the leadership of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira.

“In Brazil we had one of the worst experiences in the 1950s when the World Cup was held in Brazil and we lost to Uruguay," he continued. "People fear the same thing happen, but I think this time it will be different.

"We have to be careful and respect other teams, because there are two or three good teams: Germany is a very good team and we have to respect Spain because they have been playing together for eight years."

"I think one of the good things we have now is that both Scolari and Parreira have experience and that's great for Brazil, because they have already gone through these situations and they can tell the players what they have to do," Pele continued. "I'm very confident, especially as Parreira was there in 1970 [as a member of the coaching staff] with the best team that Brazil has ever had." ( goal.com )

READ MORE - Messi another player when he's with Argentina : Pele

5 things to know about the Spanish league

5 things to know about the Spanish league  — Real Madrid's advantage at the top of the Spanish league has been squeezed down to a single point over Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid is only three points behind.

Barcelona can add pressure with a victory at Valladolid on Saturday, a day before Madrid faces Levante. Atletico has a tough trip to Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, celebrates his goal with teammate Gareth Bale, right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Here are five things to know about this weekend's Spanish league matches:

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Atletico's Gabi , left, celebrates his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Gabriel Pecot)

TREBLE HUNT

Barcelona remains in the hunt for the treble despite feeling a wind of change is coming.

Real's Karim Benzema, second right, scores a goal past Atletico’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Lionel Messi is scoring but, surprisingly, his future remains in doubt as rumors swirl that Manchester City is ready to pay his 200 million euro ($275 million) buyout clause. There are also reports that the Argentina captain's teammates are frustrated by his tendency to disappear during games.

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino's future also continues to be questioned, and Neymar's arrival has been marked by the saga surrounding his transfer from Santos.

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes had already said he would leave the club at the end of the season, and defender Carles Puyol announced Tuesday this would be his last season with the club, too.

"My generation and the one before don't know about a Barca without Puyi in defense," Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique wrote on his Facebook page. "I suppose nothing will be the same again."

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NO DRAMAS

While Atletico looks to keep pace and Barcelona looks to avoid internal combustion, Real Madrid is remarkably enjoying a season without much drama.

The Spanish team remains in the hunt for the treble with forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale all in good form, and the rest of its squad reinforced at nearly every position without injury worries.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has even managed to keep his goalkeepers happy despite relegating Iker Casillas to a backup role, although the Spain captain is the team's choice in the Champions League.

It's quite a change to three previous seasons under Jose Mourinho, who took a stab at his players' vanity in an interview this week.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, center, reacts after scoring with his teammates against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

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TEMPER TANTRUMS

Atletico Madrid has had to scrap and fight harder than Madrid and Barcelona to remain in the hunt for the league title, but part of that cost will be felt Saturday in Vigo.

Striker Diego Costa is banned because of an accumulation of bookings, as is midfielder Arda Turan. Assistant coach German Burgos also begins serving the first of a three-game ban for his aggressive protest in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Madrid.

Diego Costa's absence should provide David Villa with a rare start, while midfielder Diego Ribas should get the nod for Turan.

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Carles Puyol reacts after scoring against Almeria during a Spanish La Liga soccer …

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CELTA'S SUCCESS

Barcelona has played a big hand in Celta Vigo's impressive season.

Much like his older brother Thiago Alcantara at Bayern Munich, Rafinha has been a key driving force to his club's success this season in guiding Celta's attack to put it 11th in the stadnings. Rafinha, who is on-loan from Barcelona, was deemed the league's most outstanding player in February.

Celta coach Luis Enrique is a well-known former Barcelona player who has managed to exploit Rafinha's potential.

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafael Ramos. second left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, second right, duels for the ball against Almeria's Rafae …

Celta has drawn its past two games at Balaidos Stadium while Atletico has lost two straight on the road.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ASPIRATIONS

Athletic Bilbao travels to Valencia on Sunday entrenched in fourth place, which secures the league's final Champions League qualifying place.

The Basque team, which hasn't played in Europe's top-tier competition in more than a decade, holds a six-point advantage over neighbor Real Sociedad and is seven points ahead of Villarreal.

"We would have all signed on the dotted line to be in this situation at the start of the season," Athletic midfielder Ander Iturraspe said. "But a lot of games remain, we've still got a lot to show right up to the end of the season."

Real Sociedad faces Rayo Vallecano on Monday, and Villarreal is at Granada on Sunday. ( AP )

READ MORE - 5 things to know about the Spanish league

Messi does not need World Cup for greatness

Messi does not need World Cup for greatness: Maradona   - Lionel Messi does not need a World Cup winners' medal to be considered among soccer's all-time greats, fellow Argentine Diego Maradona said on Tuesday.

"Messi doesn't need to win the World Cup to be the best player in the world," Maradona, who inspired Argentina to the title in Mexico in 1986, told La Nacion.

"(If he did) it would be great for Argentina, the fans and Lio, but (winning) a World Cup or not won't take away any of his achievements up to now to be among the greatest."

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a penalty against Manchester City during their …

Twice World Cup winners Argentina face Romania in a friendly in Bucharest on Wednesday as they begin to crank up their preparations for this year's finals in Brazil.

Former captain and coach Maradona said everything appeared in place for Messi to shine although Argentina's task would be tough with hosts Brazil, title holders Spain and Germany among the sides to beat.

Maradona said Messi had had a great World Cup in South Africa in 2010 despite not scoring any goals. The Argentina team coached by Maradona lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals.

"Messi had an exceptional World Cup with me... and no-one said so. (Was it) because he didn't score? He turned all the goalkeepers into stars," he said.

Maradona said he could not forget Messi's sobs when Argentina were eliminated.

"I approached him and told him he'd have many World Cups to get revenge. I said it with all my heart. While the rest were thinking about our return (home) he was there, head bowed, crying."

Argentina are in Group F with Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria at the finals starting on June 12.

"There's Spain, Germany and there's Brazil with a tremendous defence. You think of Brazil's defence and six or seven names come to mind, you think of their attack and there's only Neymar," Maradona said.

"For Lio it will be a test of character, to bring out all that crying he has in his heart. Brazil can be his great revenge," added Maradona, who will commentate on the tournament for a Venezuelan television programme. (Reuters)

READ MORE - Messi does not need World Cup for greatness

Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to bid 100 million euros for Bale

Fabregas: Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to bid 100 million euros for Bale - Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas thinks Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to break the world transfer record and pay 100 million euros for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

The Wales international has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu with speculation putting a potential transfer fee in the region of 100 million euros, which would break the record fee that Real Madrid paid to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo; however, Fabregas does not understand how a club could be prepared to spend such a substantial figure.

Fabregas: Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to bid 100 million euros for Bale

“For me, spending 100 million euros on Gareth Bale is crazy," Fabregas told AS. "I don’t know how any club could spend that amount of money in these [economic] circumstances.

“He is a great player with all the right attributes, but we will have to see if Madrid sign him and if he can perform there.”

Fabregas also reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona despite continued speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League.

“People talk a lot, but the truth is that no one has spoken with me,” Fabregas said. “I want to triumph in Barcelona. That club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can.”

The midfielder also insisted newboy Neymar will need time to settle at Camp Nou, adding: “Neymar will need time to adapt, because he is coming from a completely different type of football.

“We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights.

“The egos are very controlled in our team. [Lionel] Messi has won the Ballon d’Or four times and is probably the best player of all time - but when you see him every morning, he doesn’t seem like it.” ( Goal.com )

READ MORE - Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to bid 100 million euros for Bale

Neymar too talented to stay in Brazil

Neymar too talented to stay in Brazil - Brazil legend Ronaldo has urged compatriot Neymar to consider a move to one of Europe's elite clubs after claiming the starlet has too much potential to remain in South America.

The 21-year-old, currently with Santos, is one of the most sought-after talents in world football and has reportedly courted the interest of Bayern Munich and Barcelona - the latter of which is believed to be leading the hunt for the striker's signature.

But so far Neymar has opted to remain in his homeland and is determined to do so until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though Ronaldo believes he needs to consider a move if he is to fulfil his potential.

"Neymar is undoubtedly an excellent player. He is going to be one of the best in the world when he decides to play in Europe. He is too talented to be limited only to Brazil," he said in an interview with Sports Spectacular.

Ronaldo: Neymar too talented to stay in Brazil

"He has had several proposals from clubs abroad, but he renewed his contract with Santos. Ideally the best time to leave for Europe would be before the World Cup in 2014. It would make him more mature and he would have more experience to lead Brazil."

By Shane Callaghan | Goal.com – 13 hours ago

READ MORE - Neymar too talented to stay in Brazil