Neymar was never going to be omitted from Brazil’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, but he’s still thankful he made the cut.
Brazil head coach Luis Felipe Scolari named his 23-man squad during a live broadcast Wednesday.
Like the rest of his compatriots, Neymar was watching the proceedings live.
Watch the moment Neymar learned he would be going to the World Cup below.
After Scolari read Neymar’s name, the 22-year-old forward went on Instagram and expressed his joy to the world.
“This is the realization of a dream I have had since I was a child,” Neymar wrote. “I don’t doubt this is one of the happiest days of my life. I’ve always been chasing my dreams and this was always one of my main ones – not just to represent my family but ALL BRAZIL. I thank God for this opportunity, this gift. I am emotional, anxious, nervous, just waiting for the day to arrive. THANK YOU LORD, and LET’S GO LET’S GO BRAZIL …”
Neymar arguably will be under more pressure than any other player at the World Cup. Brazil is looking to him for goals, as it seeks to win the World Cup on home soil and banish the ghosts of 1950.
The Barcelona and Brazil star can dream for now but he must recover from a foot injury and start firing once the tournament begins. If he doesn’t, that dream quickly could become a nightmare.
