The Double-Edged Brilliance of Neymar: Brazil Find Balance Amid the Drama

Beneath the elaborate hair, the relentless self-regard, and the theatrical flourishes worthy of a Bourbon monarch, it is worth remembering—occasionally, at least—that Neymar is a footballer of staggering talent. It was his goal that shattered the deadlock, and if his influence in this match outstripped anything he produced in the group stage, it was because—for once—he refrained from his exhausting quest to be the sole protagonist.

And yet, he remains irredeemably Neymar: the gifted diva, forever orbiting the spotlight. Just when it seemed he might be maturing into a more selfless role, he reminded the world why so many still struggle to embrace him fully. As Miguel Layún bent to retrieve the ball from beneath Neymar’s sprawled body near the touchline, the Brazilian's reaction was operatic. Perhaps Layún made the slightest contact, but the fourth official stood inches away and saw no offence. Neither did VAR.

Neymar convulsed in mock agony, flailing like a man electrocuted, only to spring to life moments later when no card was shown. It was, transparently, a scandalous piece of playacting—farcical in its execution, shameful in its intent. A jarring contrast to the elegance he is capable of producing when he chooses to serve the game rather than himself.

That was the real pity, for until his performance descended into farce, things had been going remarkably well—for Neymar and for a Brazilian team slowly but surely stepping out from under his shadow. Mexico had started brightly, controlling possession and territory until fatigue began to dull their edge late in the first half. Neymar had been largely peripheral, posted high up the pitch, an outlet for counterattacks and a tormentor to Edson Álvarez. In tandem with Philippe Coutinho, he helped Brazil produce the better chances, but the first half ended goalless, and Brazil seemed to be staring down a long and draining duel under the punishing heat.

Then came the moment. Six minutes into the second half, Neymar received the ball on the left, a position he’s made his own. He darted inside, dragging defenders with him. Mexico swarmed, packing the top of the box, expecting a predictable Neymar shot. But he defied expectation. He passed. And not with some indulgent flourish, but with a razor-sharp backheel—a pass that split the defence and released Willian into space on the left side of the area. Willian’s low cross found Neymar arriving at the back post, his reward delivered with symmetry and style.

Here, at last, was Neymar as part of a team rather than above it. As a parable in the virtues of collective football, the goal could hardly be bettered.

That goal symbolized more than Neymar’s evolving maturity—it was a testament to Tite’s tactical intelligence. Brazil played in flurries, with intricate passing sequences and incisive movement suggesting a latent greatness. Mexico posed questions, but Guillermo Ochoa’s string of exceptional saves was the only reason Brazil didn’t put the match to bed by the hour mark.

Eventually, they did. Two minutes from time, Neymar surged again. His shot was parried by Ochoa, but Roberto Firmino, alert and clinical, tucked in the rebound. Neymar would claim the assist, although it was clearly a shot—one more statistical embellishment to his résumé.

Yet this Brazil is no longer Neymar’s one-man show. It is a squad of complementary parts, gradually knitting into cohesion. There are vulnerabilities—particularly at full-back. Fagner, deputizing for the injured Danilo, was repeatedly tested by Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano, who rotated flanks like vultures sensing blood. Still, the core of Brazil’s defence—Miranda and Thiago Silva, shielded by the indomitable Casemiro—held firm.

Mexico, too, played their part in their downfall. For all their intent and numerical surges, they once again lacked incision. Attacks arrived in vivid green waves but crashed without consequence—undermined by poor decisions in the final third and a midfield too hesitant to join the fray.

This was no repeat of their stunning victory over Germany; Brazil were too composed, too controlled. Where Germany had flailed, Brazil remained poised, allowing Mexico to burn out before launching clinical counters. By the end, Mexico were left with speculative long shots and desperate dashes—impotent gestures against a defence growing in assurance.

Brazil won this match not just with flair, but with discipline. With intelligence. And—just maybe—with a Neymar finally learning that his genius shines brightest when shared.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar