Brazil's Neymar looks on as Egypt's Mahmoud Alaa Eldin (R) jumps for the ball during their men's Group C football match at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (Photo: Reuters)
Egypt coach Hany Ramzy has criticised Brazil forward Neymar following the Pharaohs’ narrow 3-2 defeat by the gold medal favourites in their opening Olympic Games clash on Thursday.
Neymar, who is one of the world’s most sought-after players, scored Brazil’s third goal with a header as the Selecao went to the locker room with a comfortable three-goal advantage.
Egypt rallied in the second half to score two goals but failed to secure a share of the spoils.
“I think for sure he’ll make a high living, but I think Neymar needs to play more for the team,” Ramzy told reporters following the game, which took place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
“Sometimes I have the feeling that he just plays for himself, just to show himself that he’s a big talent. I think he’s young and he’s going to learn this and he could play more for the team.”
Proud
Ramzy, a prominent and versatile defender in the 1990s and early 2000s, believes Egypt deserved at least a draw in Thursday’s encounter.
Egypt, who were playing their first Olympic game in 20 years, took heart from the inspirational display of Basel’s newly-signed attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah, whose second-half introduction made the difference.
“We would have produced a better result had we avoided the mistakes of the first half,” Ramzy said, referring to recurring defensive blunders which allowed Brazil to take a firm a grip on the game before the break.
“This is football, we have to learn from our mistakes. I was proud of my team, especially in the second half.”
Egypt New Zealand in their second Group C game on Sunday at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium. New Zealand lost 1-0 to Belaurs in their opening game on Thursday.
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