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2018 FIFA World Cup: Neymar will be fit for WC, insists 2002 Brazil hero Ronaldo

Neymar getting injured was a "big problem" for Brazil but the Paris Saint-Germain forward can recover in time for the World Cup, according to Ronaldo.

By Rob Lancaster
Neymar, Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward

Rio de Janeiro, March 21: Brazil great Ronaldo believes compatriot Neymar will be back from injury in time to lead a "very strong team" at the 2018 World Cup. The South American nation were last crowned world champions in 2002, when Ronaldo scored both goals in a 2-0 final win over Germany. Selecao hopes are high ahead of this year's tournament in Russia, with Brazil losing just once during qualifying to finish top of the CONMEBOL section.

Football fixtures | Recent results

Ronaldo hoping Neymar recovers to lead Brazil to World Cup glory

However, much will depend on the health of Neymar, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward battling to be fit after undergoing surgery on a broken metatarsal at the end of February.

'2002 haircut was media distraction''2002 haircut was media distraction'

"At a World Cup, everyone knows it's a very difficult tournament," Ronaldo said.

"I think Brazil has improved in the last one-and-a-half years with the change in manager. We have a very strong team for the World Cup.

"Neymar getting injured is a big problem for us but I think he will recover soon and he'll be fit for the World Cup.

"But, as I say, it's a difficult tournament. We have very good teams."

Ronaldo - a three-time winner of FIFA's World Player of the Year award - believes Argentina remain one of the leading contenders for glory despite their problems in qualifying.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Ecuador 3-1 in a dramatic final round of fixtures, finally securing the two-time winners a place in the field.

"I think Germany are always strong, Spain is strong as well, England, France, Argentina, with [Lionel] Messi, it's always difficult to win the World Cup," Ronaldo added.

"But we will see a beautiful World Cup. I hope Brazil can win again."

Meanwhile, 1994 World Cup winner Claudio Taffarel also favoured his country Brazil to clinch the World Cup. "We have a good chance of winning the World Cup," he said. "I see that the statistics show that we're the favourites. But i believe favouritism always comes from others. We have to keep work, and continue the way we're going. Things are going well and we feel confident. We have to prove it there (in Russia)."

Source: OPTA

Story first published: Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 19:38 [IST]
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