Neymar nearly conjured up the perfect response to a group of Serbia fans that taunted him in Brazil’s World Cup opener on Thursday evening.
The PSG star was named in the starting lineup for the Group G clash at Lusail Stadium.
He helped his side to a winning start as they emerged 2-0 victors.
The pre-tournament favourites were not at their best in the first half and the scores were goalless going into half-time.
But Brazil found their groove after the break.
Vanja Milinković-Savić could only parry Vinicius Jr’s effort in the 62nd minute and Richarlison reacted quickest to tap home.
Richarlison scored his second and made the points safe for Brazil 11 minutes later.
The Brazil forward teed himself up inside the box before producing a majestic acrobatic effort that flew into the net.
There were no further goals as Brazil cruised to victory.
Neymar’s perfect response to a fan heckling him
Fan footage has emerged of Neymar being heckled by Serbia fans as he went over to take a corner in the first half.
Neymar initially had his head down but, after hearing the abuse from the supporters, decided to give some back.
Neymar’s effort was pinpoint but Milinkovic-Savic reacted well and was just able to tip his effort over the bar.
Still, it was a brilliant effort from Neymar and one that completely silenced the Serbia fans who were heckling him.
VIDEO: Neymar nearly scores from corner after being heckled by Serbia fans
The 30-year-old then came ever so close to producing some magic from the corner.
The PSG man spotted Milinković-Savić off his line and decided to try and score directly from the set-piece.
If Neymar’s career could be summarized in a video… a true villain 🇧🇷🎩🪄 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/dhkOMILzBu
— BDR (@Ybdr_) November 24, 2022
Unfortunately for Neymar, the Brazil star was forced off through injury in the second half.
Neymar took a blow to the ankle and made way for Antony in the 80th minute.
Cameras spotted Neymar appearing to be in tears while ice was applied to his ankle on the bench.
