Neymar reveals the surprise team he is 'happy' to avoid at World Cup

Posted Sunday, December 10, 2017 by thesportbible.com

Russia 2018 is just 189 days away and whilst we all hate international breaks, there is quite literally nothing better than the FIFA World Cup. But who's going to win?

Gareth Southgate's England will be hoping for a better campaign after enduring a nightmare European Championship in 2016, with group games against Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in the pipe line.

Another team who will be hoping to overcome the disappointment of another major tournament hangover is Neymar and his Brazil side.

Their 7-1 defeat against Germany at the 2014 World Cup is still deep in the memory of millions, so can they produce in Russia next year?

According to Football Manager, Brazil will lose in the semi-finals but Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar will secure the Golden Boot, scoring five goals throughout.

Brazil are in Group E with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia - and like England, the nation are fairly positive with the draw.

Neymar has since revealed that he is 'happy' Brazil avoided all five African teams in last week's draw, especially Nigeria in the group stages.

"We [Brazil] have to be at our best to get a good result particularly in our first game of the tournament. The teams in our group are difficult to play against," Neymar told the media via Yahoo.

"I am happy it wasn't a group where we had to play against African teams like Nigeria. They run a lot and are very physical in their approach. We are no doubt still up against strong sides at the World Cup."

So Neymar was happy that Brazil avoided Salisu Yusuf's Nigeria side in the group stage.

Neymar Happy to Avoid Nigeria in Group Stage of World Cup.
"I am very happy It wasn't a group where we had to play against African teams like Nigeria. They run a lot and are very physical in their approach."
— Footy Tool (@FootyTool) December 4, 2017