Neymar reaction to Croatia stars son being stopped by security
Neymar intervened to stop a child of the Croatia star getting halted by security despite being on the wrong side of Brazil’s World Cup quarter-final shootout defeat.
The PSG forward looked likely to be the man to steer the South Americans into the last-four in Qatar as he edged them ahead with a stunning extra-time goal. Heartbreak was to await Tite’s side though as Bruno Petkovic scored a dramatic equaliser in the closing moments before Croatia then sealed victory with a perfect set of penalties.
Neymar was left in tears as the European side toasted their win but composed himself to stop an intriguing situation unfolding with security. As Croatia celebrated their win, their children were allowed onto the pitch to join in.
One particular youngster – Ivan Perisic’s son – elected to snub the celebrations and instead made a beeline for the PSG superstar. Security attempted to intervene and stop anyone getting close to the Brazil squad.
Neymar had seen the exchange unfolding though and took the time to speak to Perisic junior and give him a hug before heading off the pitch – a mark of his character after what would have been a heartbreaking defeat. The tournament in Qatar has been a hugely frustrating one for the former Barcelona star regardless.
He was injured in their opening game against Serbia – an ankle problem keeping him out of their subsequent group clashes with Switzerland and Cameroon. He returned for their last-16 showdown with South Korea, scoring and assisting a goal.
Neymar gave a child of a Croatian player a huge following Brazil’s defeat.
