Football
Antonio Strini 6y

Neymar theatrics divide opinion, Willian's World Cup horror: How Brazil rated

Brazil left the World Cup with a bittersweet taste following a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in the quarterfinals.

As the five-time winners face up to what is next, here's a look back at each member of Tite's squad who played in Russia and how they rated out of 10.

GK Alisson, 6 -- He was not tested during the first four matches. Against Belgium, there was nothing he could do for Fernandinho's own goal and Kevin De Bruyne's stunner.

DF Fagner, 5 -- He came as the third option but took control following Danilo's injury and performed well against Costa Rica and Serbia. Facing Mexico and Belgium, he did not repeat the same level of performance.

DF Danilo, 5 -- In place of the injured Dani Alves, he was average in the opening draw against Switzerland. Injury then curtailed his tournament.

DF Thiago Silva, 8 -- The prominent player for Brazil in Russia. He laid the ghost of 2014 to rest, played at a very high level and showed why he is one of the best defenders of the past 10 years.

DF Miranda, 7 -- Tite's trusted man also had a decent tournament. Against Belgium, however, when faced with a player like Romelu Lukaku, he suffered. But he leaves the tournament with his reputation intact.

DF Marquinhos, 5 -- In the warm-up matches it looked like he would dispute the starting berth with Thiago Silva but he turned into the first reserve. He played a few minutes against Mexico but he's mainly seen as the main man for the future, rather than now.

DF Marcelo, 5 -- The best left-back in European football fared OK against Switzerland and Costa Rica, but then got injured against Serbia. He returned against Belgium, but did not shine.

DF Filipe Luis, 6 -- Earned the call when Marcelo got injured and finally managed to play in a World Cup. Some fans thought he should have started the quarterfinal.

MF Casemiro, 7 -- Was improving throughout the tournament before he got suspended against Belgium. His absence was felt, and he leaves Russia on the rise.

MF Fernandinho, 5 -- Another trusted man in Tite's eyes, especially following a good season at Manchester City. But his performances dipped in Russia and the defeat against Belgium will leave some scars.

MF Philippe Coutinho, 6 -- Played at a very high level in the group stages but didn't perform well in the knockout phase. Fans expected more from him.

MF Paulinho, 5 -- Far away from what he likes to do: to be the surprise in attack. Although he scored against Serbia, he returned to a more defensive outlook for Belgium.

MF Renato Augusto, 6 -- The injury suffered before the World Cup disrupted his development. With restricted minutes he proved why he had started in almost all the games in qualifying.

FW Willian, 4 -- Had just one brilliant game as he probably missed Alves on the right. He was isolated and didn't produce as expected.

FW Douglas Costa, 6 -- Damaged by injuries before and during the tournament. When he played, he completely changed the dynamic of the Brazil attack.

FW Neymar, 7 -- Was the big talking point even before a ball was kicked. Could he return to a high level after he fractured his foot? Yes, he could -- but only when he seemed willing. He divided fans with his petulance, frustration and theatrics.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 4 -- Not since 1966 had a Brazilian starting striker failed to score a goal at the tournament. His tactical game appealed to Tite but the goals did not come.

FW Roberto Firmino, 6 -- His name was always on the agenda as Jesus suffered his drought. Played well when he came on, scored against Mexico and almost equalised against Belgium.

Tite, 6 -- He has re-energised Brazil but will need to make changes for the next tournaments. He deserves a chance for World Cup 2022 ... who else would be the coach otherwise?

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