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Brazil Squad Report: Neymar joins group of all-time greats

Jason Cairnduff / Action Images

He's only 22, but Neymar is already one of the most decorated Brazilian footballers in history.

The Barcelona star's two goals on Monday moved him into fifth on Brazil's all-time scoring list, trailing only Pele, Zico, Ronaldo and Romario. Thirty-five goals and 20 assists in 53 appearances for the national team is incredible, but his work is just beginning. 

Brazil's 4-1 win over Cameroon on Monday means Felipe Scolari's side will take on Chile in the Round of 16 in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.

Scolari has decisions to make, especially after watching Fernandinho shine after replacing Paulinho in the midfield to begin the second half. 

“I think Fernandinho going in was critical," Scolari said following Monday's win in Brasilia. “Even with some difficulties to score, we scored four goals. We could have scored seven or eight.”

The man who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 pleaded for patience as his team prepares for the most unnerving time of the tournament. 

“This is something very important in life,” he said. “Nature doesn’t make leaps. Things evolve step by step. This is what we are trying to plant and reap.”

Though Scolari's philosophical ruminations may provide comfort to angst-riddled Brazil supporters, one thing remains clear. The plan is a simple one. Give the ball to Neymar and pray. So far, so good. 

Fixtures/Results

Group A  — June 12 — Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Group A  — June 17  Brazil 0-0 Mexico

Group A  June 23   Brazil 4-1 Cameroon

Round of 16 — June 28 — Brazil vs. Chile

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

Hulk returned to the starting lineup on Monday after missing one game due to a thigh injury. The bruising attacker put in his best effort of the tournament and nearly scored a stunner in the second half, clipping the outside of the post with a long distance strike. His place in Scolari's starting XI appears to be safe.

The same cannot be said for Paulinho. Once again the Tottenham midfielder struggled. He was replaced by Fernandinho in the second half and almost immediately Brazil looked more dangerous. Scolari, known for being stubborn regarding tinkering with his lineup, has to give the Manchester City star a chance against Chile. 

Team Leaders

Goals: Neymar – 4

Assists: Oscar – 2

4 Quick Notes

1. This play from Monday's win encapsulated just how good Neymar was against Cameroon.

2. Brazil depends on Neymar like Argentina depends on Messi according to Scolari, via Goal.com. 

3. The Guardian's Stuart James reports the performances of Fernandinho and Fred on Monday should give Brazil confidence against Chile. 

4. Scolari warns Chile poses a real threat to Brazil. 

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