Photo by Ed Mulholland/USA Today Sports
By FRANCO PANIZO
The initial ban Neymar received for his actions against Colombia was for two games. It was then reduced to one before being extended to four.
Brazil is hoping it will be lessened again.
Brazil head coach Dunga announced at a press conference on Saturday that the Brazilian Football Confederation will appeal the Copa America punishment that was handed to Neymar on Friday. Neymar has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after being given a four-game suspension, but Dunga and Brazil are seeking “what’s fair” and believe the ban is only as lengthy as it is because of the 23-year-old’s stature in world soccer.
Neymar, the Brazilians’ captain, was given a red card following his actions in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Colombia. The star forward first kicked a ball at Pablo Armero, and then tried to head-butt a confrontational Jeison Murillo to spark a fracas between the two teams.
Here are more notes from around the world of soccer:
SERBIA TOPS BRAZIL IN U-20 WORLD CUP FINAL
The European nation that eliminated the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team from this summer’s World Cup is now wearing the tournament crown.
Serbia lifted the Under-20 World Cup for the first time on Saturday, defeating Brazil, 2-1, in extra time at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Serbs found a late winner just as penalty kicks were looming. Nemanja Maksimovic struck in the 118th minute, punctuating a strong tournament for Serbia and crushing Brazil’s hopes for a record-tying sixth title.
Serbia, which defeated the U.S. in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals, opened the scoring in the match in the second half. Stanisa Mandic netted in the 70th minute, but that was canceled out by a strike from Andreas Pereira three minutes later.
RONALDINHO AGREES TO LEAVE QUERETARO
Once again, Ronaldinho is out on the open market.
Ronaldinho announced on Saturday that he is leaving Liga MX side Queretaro after having his contract rescinded. The 35-year-old Brazilian had been heavily linked with a move away from Queretaro despite still having another year left on his deal, with head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich even saying previously that the club was looking to get rid of Ronaldinho.
Ronaldinho signed with Queretaro last September, and scored eight goals in 27 matches across all competitions. He also helped guide to the club to the Liga MX Clausura finals, but Queretaro lost to Santos Laguna, 5-3, on aggregate.
Reports indicate that Ronaldinho could next join Turkish outfit Antalyaspor.
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Do you see Neymar’s ban getting reduced? Surprised that Serbia topped Brazil in the U-20 World Cup final? Still think MLS should make a serious run at Ronaldinho?
Share your thoughts below.
Neymar also apparently waited for the red in the tunnel and verbally abused him telling the red “you’re just trying to become famous from this, you son of a b—-!” While the red stood there counting on his fingers how many times Netmar was getting out of hand. The red including the verbal assault in his record of the match and that’s why the ban is 4 games currently
Ronaldinho to OCSC?
No, thanks.
Ronaldinho to retirement? That’s the only move that makes any sense.
Well at least we lost to the best team.
And in the record books, we tied….
Kind of puts Mexico’s performance in perspective. They had the future Champs AND 3rd place team in their group. We had a ridiculously easy group by comparison.
Let’s not put a lipstick on a pig. Mexico finished dead last in their group. Tough group is not an excuse. Serbia beat Mexico 2-0, but could not beat the US even with extra time and needed penalty kicks to advance. How’s that for comparison?
Tons of US fans were saying the same thing about their group when France won in 2013.
Here’s some real perspective on Mexican soccer: flopped out at the group stage in three tournaments in one month (U-20 WC, Copa America and Women’s world cup).