NEW YORK (Kashmir English): Brazil’s star player, Neymar, won’t be joining the team on their trip to play in the FIFA World Cup against Haiti.
As per the report published by Reuters, Neymar has yet to recover from his calf injury. As per the football team, “He will remain in New Jersey to maximize his recovery during the final phase and utilize the state-of-the-art facilities at The Ridge Hotel and Columbia Park Training Center.”
The Brazilian side has been worried about his return to the field. Neymar has only been able to train indoors at their center, along with fitness trainers and physiotherapists.
This follows an injury to his right calf muscle during the Santos versus Coritiba game in May. In another development, Neymar was reported visiting a clinic for tests due to growing concerns over his injury.
It should be noted that the player, who is now 34 years old, has played in his fourth FIFA World Cup campaign.
South Africa and Czech Republic settle for 1-1 draw
South Africa and the Czech Republic played out a 1-1 draw in their Group A encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, earning their first point of the tournament after suffering defeats in their opening matches.
The Czech Republic made a strong start and took the lead just six minutes into the game when Michal Sedelek found the back of the net with a well-taken finish. The early goal gave the Europeans control of the match, and they maintained their advantage until halftime.
South Africa pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when the referee awarded a penalty after Czech defender Pavel Schultz handled the ball inside the box.
Midfielder Teboho Mokwena stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, bringing South Africa level and reigniting their hopes of progressing in the tournament.
Despite late efforts from both sides to find a winner, neither team was able to break the deadlock, and the match ended 1-1.
The result gives South Africa and the Czech Republic their first point of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their chances of advancing from Group A alive as the competition progresses.
