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Neymar hits back at World Cup critics

Neymar rounded on his critics and defended his emotional reaction to scoring in Brazil's 2-0 World Cup win over Costa Rica after he broke down in tears at the final whistle.

A largely frustrating afternoon for the five-time world champions was forgotten thanks to two goals in stoppage time.

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Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock before Neymar tapped home with virtually the last kick of the game.

"Not everyone knows what I went through to get here," he posted on Twitter and Instagram.

"Even parrots can talk, but walking the walk... not everyone does it. I cried out of happiness, overcoming, grit and desire to win.

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"Things were never easy in my life, so why would they be now? The dream – no, the OBJECTIVE – is still alive. Congratulations for the performance, guys.”

The world's most expensive player was making just his fourth appearance after breaking a bone in his foot in February.

And Brazil coach Tite admitted the Paris Saint-Germain star is still not fully match-fit.

"He needs some time to resume his high standard. Before then there is a team that has to be strong and not depend on him."

Neymar's emotions at the end highlighted Brazil's relief at getting their first win of the tournament after being held 1-1 by Switzerland in their opening match.

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Tite fell to the floor as he sped onto the pitch following Coutinho's strike.

However, there is some concern in Brazil that Neymar's tears are a sign he may struggle to handle the pressure against tougher opposition as the tournament progresses.

"It's not normal to cry in the second game of a World Cup," Brazil's biggest newspaper, O Globo, said.

"A team needs to demonstrate mental strength, not fragility. Genuine or not, Neymar's crying is worrying."

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