Neymar’s the talk of Japan ahead of final

Barcelona have had their thunder stolen before today’s Club World Cup final in Japan, with endless questions about hot-shot Santos striker Neymar rammed down their throats daily.

The Spanish and European champions boast arguably the world’s best player in Lionel Messi. Yet try as Barça might not to talk about Neymar, the name of the 19-year-old Brazil forward so coveted by Europe’s biggest clubs keeps cropping up.

“Neymar is a very dangerous player,” Barça coach Pep Guardiola said on the eve of a mouth-watering final in Yokohama. “I expect a cracking game.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neymar set tongues wagging in Japan, scoring a wonder goal as he sparked Santos to a 3-1 semi-final win over J-League champions Kashiwa Reysol.

“We watched Santos on TV and individually they’re very dangerous,” said Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. “Neymar is a brilliant player. But it’s not just about him. This is the game of the season for us. We badly want to win this trophy to have the right to be called ‘world champions’.”