Neymar: World Cup star defended by Brazil coach Tite ahead of Belgium clash

Neymar has been criticised over his theatrics at the World Cup

Neymar has scored two goals in Brazil’s four matches but he has been slammed by soccer pundits across the world for diving and rolling on the ground theatrically in Russia.

He has, however, also suffered a disproportionate number of fouls in the tournament so far, with his tally of 23 more than Uruguayan duo Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani combined.

"I’ve already talked about Neymar and I’ve been very specific about what happened,” said Tite on the eve of the quarter-final at Kazan Arena. “You should look at the videos. All you have to do is look at the images.

"What makes me happy is to have him playing at his best. It’s not just with the ball, it’s not just dribbling. There are actions, there are transitions, defensive transitions and if you look, you see how much he has contributed.”

Tite confirmed that his preferred left-back Marcelo would return to the starting side in place of Filipe Luis after the Real Madrid defender missed the 2-0 win over Mexico through injury.

"I’ve spoken with both Marcelo and Filipe Luis. Filipe played very well in both matches. But now we are going with Marcelo again,” said Tite.

Fernandinho is also expected to replace the suspended holding midfielder Casemiro who picked up a second yellow card against Mexico.

The dominant win over the Mexicans cemented Brazil’s status as favourites to win a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy but Tite said it would take a whole team effort to get past Roberto Martinez’s Belgium and their array of attacking stars.

"It will be a great match. Both teams excel with beautiful football. Belgium have great players and a great coach as well. I’ve always put them in the group of favourites [for the title]. It’s the same now.”

Marcelo is set to be restored to the Brazil line-up

Martinez, however, warned Brazil there is “something special” about his Belgium side.

"The two sides are very similar in terms of qualities. The difference is we haven’t won a World Cup, simple as that,” he said.

"When you go into a tournament if you don’t have that know-how of winning one you can’t have an advantage on the opponent.

"We shouldn’t play Brazil, we shouldn’t be in awe of the opportunity we have. We need to enjoy our game, be ourselves. When we do that our talent shows.

"There is something special in this squad, no doubt about it. The signs are positive and of a real desire to be on the football pitch.

"We can’t wait. I feel we are as ready as we can be. Over the last two years we have been working towards this moment.”