26 March,2018 09:14 AM IST | Berlin | AFP
Neymar
Brazil are one of the favourites for the 2018 World Cup, but injury to superstar Neymar still weakens the 'Selecao', Germany winger Leroy Sane said yesterday.
"Brazil aren't as dependent on Neymar as they were in 2014," said Manchester City winger Sane. "They are better positioned and have a few new stars, but it still makes a big difference whether Neymar plays or not."
Leroy Sane
ALSO READ
Pelé''s former club Santos returns to the top tier of Brazilian soccer with an eye on Neymar
Injured Neymar to miss two weeks of training
Neymar returns after over a year as Al Hilal beat Al Ain
Neymar back after a year out and helps Al-Hilal in Asian Champions League
Neymar available for Al-Hilal next week after year-long recovery from ACL injury
Germany host Brazil in a mouth-watering friendly at Berlin's Olympic Stadium tomorrow. It will be their first meeting since the Germans stunned Brazil with a 7-1 romp in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
"Football is almost something spiritual for Brazilians, so I can understand that the 7-1 still has an effect," said Sane. "They live for football, but they will live their 'joie de vivre' again at the 2018 World Cup. They are a great team with a good mix of old and young players, they are technically strong, but they also have tough players in defence. They can't be underestimated, because they are clearly among the World Cup favourites."
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever