Fifa World Cup: Brazil without Neymar, as Ronaldo and Portugal target last 16
- Brazilian star missing from side’s clash against Switzerland after spraining ankle in opening win over Serbia
- Portugal can reach second round with victory over Uruguay at Lusail Stadium
Brazil must do without injured star Neymar against Switzerland at the World Cup on Monday, as Cristiano Ronaldo looks to lead Portugal into the last 16 in Qatar.
Five-time world champions Brazil could secure a spot in the knockout phase with a win over the Swiss depending on the outcome of the day’s early game between Serbia and Cameroon.
Brazil kicked off their campaign in Qatar with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in Group G but Neymar limped off with a sprained ankle.
“At the time it was difficult for him and after the game he was sad which I think is normal given how much he has dreamt of this,” Marquinhos, the Brazil centre-back, said.
“Now, after the tests and the treatment, he is doing physiotherapy 24 hours a day which shows how much he wants to be back with us. We don’t know when, but we hope it’s as soon as possible.”
Ronaldo became the first man to score in five World Cups after converting a disputed penalty in Portugal’s opening 3-2 victory over Ghana in Group H.
The Portuguese will qualify for the second round if they beat Uruguay at the Lusail Stadium, which will host the final on December 18.
