Neymar shares text on ‘having faith’

Brazil's 2-0 win over Serbia in their opening World Cup game in Qatar was marred by an injury to Neymar.

The Brazil star was forced off with a sprained ankle and the Brazilian team doctor said the player would be assessed over the next 48 hours. Neymar shared a post on social media after the game.

On his Instagram account, Neymar shared a text on 'having faith'. "It's about believing that everything will be OK despite the chaos. It's the certainty that the best is yet to come. It's understanding that everything has its own timing," the text read.

"Difficult game, but it was important to win," Neymar said on his social media accounts not long after he left Lusail Stadium without talking to the media. "Congratulations team, first step taken. Six more to go."

Brazil coach Tite had already expressed his optimism about Neymar's situation.

"You can be sure that Neymar will still play in this World Cup," he said after the match. "I'm certain about that."

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the game it was too early to know the extent of the injury, and that Neymar's ankle would be reevaluated on Friday. He said they started treating the injury the moment Neymar left the field, and continued treating it after the match.

Neymar had already been tackled many times before during the match, and was seen grimacing and limping a few other occasions. He was fouled nine times, the most of all World Cup players after the first round of matches in the group stage.

"We'll remain upbeat, it's the characteristic of this team," Brazil goalkeeper Alisson said. "These adverse circumstances will only make the group stronger."