Anxiety and pessimism have gripped Brazil's sporting circles following the release of official medical reports confirming that Neymar da Silva, 34, has been ruled out of the opening match against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
According to reports published by leading Brazilian newspapers, including Globo Esporte, the latest medical examinations and MRI scans revealed a recurrence of ankle pain and minor ligament damage caused by excessive physical load during the squad's recent training sessions in the United States. Doctors say his participation on opening night would pose a major risk to his entire tournament campaign.
Brazilian newspaper Lance, meanwhile, ran extensive tactical analyses of alternative options, noting that Neymar's absence represents a painful blow to the attacking line — particularly given that the match is against a well-organised and battle-hardened Moroccan defence that proved its historic quality at the Qatar World Cup.
The newspaper cited sources inside the Brazilian camp as saying the coaching staff is leaning towards a young attacking combination led by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Gabriel Jesus to compensate for the captain's absence. Local media voices have also urged against underestimating the Atlas Lions, who enter the fixture with enormous motivation, buoyed by their landmark achievement as the first Arab and African side to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.