Neymar Left Frustrated as Ancelotti Explains Brazil Decision

(Neymar. Photo Credit: Goal.com)

Neymar is upset about having such a little part at the World Cup, but he has handled the situation well and is still a valuable member of the team, according to Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti.

At his fourth World Cup, the nation's top goal scorer has only appeared as a substitute once, in the final 14 minutes of Brazil's 3-0 group stage victory over Scotland.

Neymar, 34, is again set to be on the bench for Sunday’s last-16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium.

"He's acting really nicely, but he's not happy. He's getting great training.

In a Friday interview with the Brazilian daily Folha de Sao Paulo, Ancelotti said, "Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates."

“He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person. I'm delighted with him. He clearly wants to play, like he has always done.

Neymar has a right calf issue when he arrived for the competition.

Doubts about Neymar's fitness were dispelled by Ancelotti's insistence that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star can now play a full game.

"His ability to play is what matters. How long he will play is unknown. He is capable of controlling both the tempo and his playing time.

The Italian stated, "I'll put him on (the pitch) when I see that the team needs him."

Brazil has never defeated Norway; in their four prior encounters, they have drawn two and lost two.

Since winning the World Cup in 2002, they have also failed to overcome a European team in a knockout round match.

Ancelotti stated, "We are confident we will play a good game, but it's always difficult."

"Their coach is doing an excellent job in that area, and they are a really well-organized defensive club.

"We are ready for any eventuality. We are ready to respond even if we give up a goal.