Neymar is undoubtedly the biggest weapon for Brazil and he is expected to lead the nation to Olympic gold medal for the first time in the nation’s history.
However, Honduras manager Jorge Luis Pinto says that he might have a plan to contain the Barcelona superstar when the two teams meet each other in the Olympic semifinals. Since Honduras have a clear target on the minds, they may be able to nullify Neymar but it presents the opportunity for the players to step up to the plate. The progress made by the under 23 team of Honduras to reach the stage of the competition has been brilliant.
They overcame the likes of the Korea Republic under 23 in the quarter-finals before setting up a tie with Brazil. Winning this game will provide Honduras will the ultimate capability to win a major tournament. The other semifinal will be between Germany and the Nigeria. The senior team of Germany may have won the World Cup title two years ago, but Brazil are the overwhelming favourites when it comes to Olympic gold largely because of the home support. Pinto has recalled to his days as the manager ofDeportivoTachira. He had come up against Neymar back then and the current Barcelona superstar was not able to hurt his team much.
“I am thinking a lot about Neymar and how I can control him. I’m looking for that player to mark him. I have played against him with DeportivoTachira and we managed to control him, also with Honduras and we controlled him too.Honduras is mentally prepared for the match. We know that the Brazilian fans will support their team for 90 minutes, but we will have the mental and emotional control of it.I am very respectful of Brazilian football but today you can’t win due to the supporters or the colour of your shirt,” said Pinto.