Tite: Neymar empowers his Brazil team-mates

thrashed South Korea 4-1 on Monday and now plays Croatia in the quarter-finals. Vinicius, Neymar, Richarlison, and Paqueta scored for Brazil.

who got injured in Brazil’s first game against Serbia returned to action and scored his 76th goal for Brazil from the penalty spot. He is now just one goal behind Pele's all-time record for Brazil.

After the game, Tite praised Neymar and admitted that he is an irreplaceable player.

"He's a technical reference. This is technical leadership. When a team looks for the player, they know that they have a weapon there, [someone who can make] the difference,"

Tite said of the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

"Everyone has their own striking characteristics, but Neymar is the centre, the one who empowers the others."

Neymar also become the third Brazil player who has managed to score at three

after Pele and Ronaldo.

Tite's assistant, Cesar Sampaio, also said Neymar makes a difference on the pitch and his return has motivated his teammates.

"Neymar for sure provides a competitive advantage, he makes a difference on pitch,"

he said.

"He's a driving force. I'm going round and round, beating around the bush to talk about him, but in a nutshell I'd like to congratulate our physios for their work.

"Neymar, besides his technical skills, he motivates the others and we are very happy to have him back. He had a great performance, he's recovered and ready for new challenges.

"He made important steps, and with him we can reach our full potential."

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