Brazil legend Ronaldo on Neymar: "We all expected more from him"

If anyone is qualified to analyse the Brazilian national team's situation, that man is Ronaldo Nazario and his two World Cup titles in four appearances, and the ex-striker's focus was on Neymar.

The world's most expensive player netted just two goals in Russian Federation and often cut a frustrated figure as the Selecao were bundled out in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

Ronaldo also believes that the injury Neymar suffered in February ended up impacting his performances.

"We all expected more from him because he's the star of the team", he told Sport TV. I don't know if it was because of the operation he had on his foot or another problem but I saw him as quite limited on the pitch.

But like every World Cup, there's a negative aspect that fills the headlines and people's news feed: this time it was the behaviour of Neymar. To play the first match as if nothing had happened is hard.

The Canarinha's talisman wasn't able to deliver the breakout World Cup performance that many were hoping for. He's 25 or 26.

However, his post-foul theatrics have stolen the spotlight in Russian Federation and on the internet, where his exaggerated reactions have been criticised and mocked by media and fans. Often billed as the third best footballer in the world before Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Neymar tends to be criticised for going to ground too easy and even play-acting when tackled.

"I spoke with him about this a while ago", he added.

"I asked him five years ago and he explained that on many occasions when he's kicked he reacts in that way so that the blow isn't greater", Ronaldo explained.