The article provides a critical analysis of Neymar's recent performance in a match against Corinthians, highlighting his inefficacy on the field. Despite being supported by his home crowd, Neymar's contributions were minimal, with only two shots, both missing the target, and a low passing accuracy of 65%. His attempts at dribbling, where he failed in all three attempts, further underscore his lackluster display during the game. The author emphasizes that while Neymar recorded an assist, it was largely due to a mistake by the opposing defender, suggesting that his influence in the match was overstated.

Following the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the squad for upcoming games against Croatia and France, which included several new players. The contrast between Neymar's performance and the potential contributions of new talent in the national team raises questions about Neymar's place in the squad. The article suggests that there is significant pressure from certain lobby groups to include Neymar despite his recent underwhelming form, labeling this push as a "demonic circus". This reflects broader discussions within Brazilian football about the meritocracy and selection criteria for representing the national team.

The implications are clear: with the national team's performance scrutinized ahead of crucial matches, the decision to call up players like Neymar will reflect on the overall team dynamics and potential success. The writer argues that blindly supporting Neymar's inclusion, irrespective of current form and fitness, could disrupt the coherence and strategic planning of Ancelotti’s lineup. Thus, the ongoing debate over Neymar's selection amplifies the tensions between loyalty to established stars and the emerging talents ready to make their mark.