With Brazil having got their 2024 Copa America campaign off to a disappointing start, Neymar was left visibly dumbfounded by a decision involving Vinicius Junior.
Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Costa Rica in the early hours of Tuesday, with the South American giants registering just three shots on target despite dominating the match with 74% ball possession.
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It was not a particularly good day for Vinicius, who is arguably the Selecao's best player, coming on the back of a successful 2023/24 campaign with Real Madrid that saw him win the UEFA Champions League, LALIGA, and the Spanish Super Cup.
The winger was withdrawn by national team coach Dorival Junior after 71 minutes, and replaced with his incumbent Los Blancos teammate Endrick.
This decision evidently left Neymar staggered, and the Al Hilal superstar could not hide his confusion while watching from the stands.
Vini?! ????
— ge (@geglobo) June 25, 2024
Parece que Neymar não entendeu muito bem a saída do camisa 7 da Seleção pic.twitter.com/6eZJosUW75
Asked about his decision to remove Vinicius from the action after the match, Dorival told ESPN Brasil: "We put him on the side, inside, we didn't find the way either. He was well marked and we had to look for a solution, trying to make a change.
"Due to winning these second balls, we were presenting a very good volume and we had to make changes to the pieces.
"We tried several alternatives, several situations were created, we ended up not being successful with the shots. I believe the game was well played within the context, we had most of the time exchanging passes, with perspectives on the sides and inside.
"We played close, we created good opportunities, but we weren't happy with the finishing. In general, we presented positive things. ^The questions end up happening, but I am aware of what is being developed, the volume we presented and what was worked on."
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