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Jake Stokes

Thiago Silva makes 'special' Neymar World Cup promise as Chelsea star downplays early prediction

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has pledged that Brazil will do 'everything to win' the World Cup in Qatar for Neymar. The Paris Saint-Germain star is set lead Tite's side out for the tournament opener against Serbia as 'The Seleção' eye a sixth world title.

Brazil are widely considered as favourites to go all the way in Qatar this winter with the talisman entering the World Cup in a great vein of form. Neymar has featured 14 times for the Parisians in Ligue 1 this season, directly contributing towards 20 goals.

His impressive displays have already handed the French giants a five-point lead at the top of the table. And, while the 30-year-old looks set to be central to any success Brazil reap at the tournament, Silva has pointed out that there is always more pressure on Neymar to perform than any other player in the squad - especially if this is the winger's last innings.

READ MORE: "What a player" - Chelsea fans react to Jamal Musiala's stunning display for Germany vs Japan

With Neymar aged 34 once the 2026 World Cup commences, there's a chance that this is his last opportunity to lead Brazil to world glory. As quoted by the Mirror, the Chelsea defender said: "If it is his [Neymar’s] last World Cup, then we have to do everything to win for him.

"Every player who represents Brazil at The World Cup has pressure on them, but for Neymar that pressure has always been different. Since he was a teenager, he has had the hopes of a nation on him and that is a lot of expectation for anybody.

"He has always handled that well though – look at what he’s done on the pitch," Silva added. "He’s a special player and a special person.

"The target for Brazil is the same as always and that is to win The World Cup. But you do that by taking things one game at a time. I don’t want to talk about favourites or who we could play in the final, because we’re not there yet."

After the Serbia clash, Brazil will face Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G. At face value, 'The Seleção' will be expecting to qualify for the round of 16 with at least two wins from three under their belt.

But, following the giant killings of Argentina by Saudi Arabia and Germany by Japan, Silva and Neymar must bring their A-game.

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