World Cup: Is Brazil Star Neymar Playing vs. South Korea?

The round of 16 of the World Cup finally began, and favorites Brazil will be facing off against surprising South Korea next. However, after missing two straight games, the question remains whether or not Paris Saint-Germaine superstar Neymar will be able to play.

According to CNN, Brazil national team head coach Tite spoke to the media about his star player, and he said that Neymar will play against South Korea on Monday if he practices "okay" on Sunday.

In a news conference on Sunday, Tite said: "He will practice this afternoon, and if everything is okay, he will play." However, Tite noted that Neymar being on the lineup "depends on the medical department clearing that."

Neymar sprained his ankle in Brazil's opener against Serbia on November 24. The team also won their next match against Poland but lost against Cameroon in a surprising upset. Despite the loss, Brazil still moved on to top its group and booked a ticket to the round of 16.

USA Eliminated But Argentina Went to the World Cup Quarter-Finals

The United States was the last North American team remaining after Mexico's shocking elimination and Costa Rica's expected defeat. However, during their match against the Netherlands on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium, the Stars and Stripes lost to the Dutch men's national team, known locally as the Oranje.

The Dutch looked mighty in their one-sided thrashing of the Americans, winning the match handily 3-1. Al-Jazeera reported Haji Wright managed to score the lone goal for the Americans, but Memphis Depay, Daley Blind, and rising star Cody Gakpo made sure Oranje won with one goal each.

Elsewhere in the round of 16, Lionel Messi and Argentina looked strong against Australia, with Messi still aiming to win a World Cup and cement his status as the best in the world.

Messi Magic began to dazzle in the first half with a goal on Saturday night, and that Argentinian lead increased thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez.

The Argentinians were already on the lead with a 2-0 lead when the Socceroos managed to get one shot later in the game. Argentina reached the World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win over Australia.

Argentina will meet the Netherlands next as Cody Gakpo, and the rest of the Oranje team aim to spoil Lionel Messi's last dance.

France and England Dominate and Advance

While Messi Magic made its presence felt on Saturday, England and France showed on Sunday why they were considered favorites as they each scored three goals to dominate their respective opponents.

England dominated African champions Senegal in a one-sided 3-0 victory, while the relatively young guns of France, led by the thrilling Kylian Mpabbe, dominated Poland 3-1. That sets up a very interesting quarter-finals match-up between the two European powerhouses.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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