Returning to action after more than two weeks away from the field, Neymar tried, but managed to do little during the 1-1 draw between Santos and Corinthians, valid for the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship, in Vila Belmiro, in front of 15 thousand fans.
It was the last opportunity for the number 10 of the beach-based black and white team to show his football before Carlo Ancelotti’s call-up for the Brazilian team’s friendlies against France and Croatia on March 26th and 31st.
The Italian announces the list of those called up this Monday (16), starting at 2pm (Brasília time), at the headquarters of the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), in Rio de Janeiro. It will be the last call before the final call-up for the World Cup.
Far from being in the best physical shape after being rested in the last rounds to avoid further injuries, Neymar appeared for the game at different times during the match and also tried to serve his teammates with some passes, but with most of his attempts frustrated by the opposing defense.
The two goals of the match ended up coming in the first half. Dutchman Memphis Depay opened the scoring in the 17th minute, hitting a precise cross shot from the edge of the penalty area, with no chance of save for goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.
Memphis ended a ten-game streak without finding the net — the last time was in the Copa do Brasil final against Vasco, in December.
Just four minutes later, Gabriel Barbosa took advantage of a passing error by defender Gabriel Paulista in midfield and fired towards the goal defended by Hugo Souza, equalizing the score.
Neymar still had a good chance to turn the game around in the 30th minute of the second half, hitting a header inside the area that went close to the left post.
With the draw, Corinthians reached eight points, momentarily taking seventh place in the table, while Santos reached six, for now in 13th.
In the next matches, Santos faces Internacional, on Wednesday (18), again at Vila Belmiro. Corinthians visits Chapecoense, on Thursday (19).
