Brazil huffed and puffed in their second group game of the World Cup, eventually blowing down a dogged Costa Rica with strikes from Philipe Coutinho and Neymar.
Neymar was also involved in an incident with VAR, after his penalty was rightfully overturned when the referee consulted with the new technology.
When the final whistle sounded Neymar dropped to his knees and started crying, the occasion seemingly getting the better of the world record signing.
Neymar crying brazil vs Costa Rica HD pic.twitter.com/7joAdTA4Lg
— 2018 WC highlights (@Wc_highlights_) June 22, 2018
There was a contrasting reaction to his outpouring of emotion with some praising the forward and others taking it as an excuse to have a pop at Brazil's talisman:
Neymar crying after scoring an essentially irrelevant goal against Costa Rica - the guy is going to be an absolute wreck after he watches Ghost for the first time.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) June 22, 2018
Neymar drops a 0/10 performance, does a rainbow flick after Coutinho wins them the game, and then starts crying like he's just led his team to victory in the World Cup Final. Most shameless player in football and it isn't even close.
— Zach (@ZCalcio) June 22, 2018
Neymar crying. This goal meant so fucking much to him after the criticism he received. We are behind you, craque! Enjoy your moment.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) June 22, 2018
Now Neymar is CRYING?!
Now brazilians journos will use it as propaganda to show "how much he loves his country".
Always a marketing play behind everything he does.
Gross.
— Lucas (@lucasammr) June 22, 2018
Why the fuck are people asking 'why is Neymar crying?'
It's the World Cup, there are emotions running through every player. It's easy to talk behind your phone's screen and laugh.
— ᴱᴰᴱᴺ (@FutbolEden) June 22, 2018
The 26-year-old has since put up a post on Instagram in which he laid out the reasons why he became so emotional following Brazil's win:
Not everyone knows what I've been through to get here, everyone can talk about it, but not everyone can do it!! These tears are from happiness, overcoming obstacles, I guess, from grit and will to win. In my life, things were never easy, and they wouldn't be now!! The dream is still on, not a dream... an objective! Congrats on the match boys, you guys RULE!
In truth, Brazil were well worth their victory today, but while it was Philipe Coutinho that made the difference against Costa Rica, Neymar, accidentally or otherwise, has once again pulled the spotlight on to himself with his actions.
