Former Brazil and Real Madrid great Ronaldo thinks that although the pressure will be on Neymar to deliver for his country at next month’s World Cup in Qatar, he will be supported by the best teammates of his international career so far.

Neymar has often carried the hopes of a nation but has been unable to lead Brazil into a World Cup final. However, Ronaldo backed the 30-yearold to flourish with a plethora of talent around him to help him out.

“The pressure will be over Neymar no matter what, he is Brazil’s superstar and it doesn’t matter who is playing alongside him,” Ronaldo said. “I love Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha and think this new generation of talent will give him the best supporting cast he has ever had with Brazil.”

Indian hope

Bhubaneswar: An Indian football team will get a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with mighty Brazil, in the Fifa Women’s Under-17 World Cup here on Monday.

Hosts India are already out of reckoning for a place in the knockouts.

India head coach Thomas Dennerby wants his team to be more confident with the ball while building their attacks against Brazil.

“Now, we have nothing to lose. I hope the girls start playing freely,” said Dennerby on the eve of the match.

“We have to focus very hard on defending, but we also know football is not only about defending. It would be nice for us to score in the tournament,” he said.

The Indians, Dennerby said, are ready to play for their honour against Brazil. “We will fight and try to score a goal. It would be nice to come out of this tournament with a goal,” he said.

PTI