Brazilian stars dispense with dance routine as they celebrate scoring Neymar's ... trends now
Brazil dispensed with their enthusiastic dance routine today as Neymar scored his extra time goal against Croatia after criticism of the team's flamboyant celebrations in their match against South Korea.
The quarter final was as a tight contest, with neither team appearing to have the upper hand. It headed into extra time after a goalless first 90 minutes but just before half time Neymar managed to find a way through the Croatian defence and punt it into the top of the goal.
And while the Brazilian team looked delighted at what, at the time, appeared to be a decisive goal, they held back the dance moves which had generated criticism last week, especially from pundit Roy Keane.
After the clinical demolition job of South Korea in the last 16, with Brazil cruising to a 4-1 victory, many fans had expected a similar potent performance from the world number ones.
But Croatia soon scored an equaliser and took today's prize for over-exuberant celebrations, with Bruno Petkovic getting booked for taking off his shirt.
The goal resulted in the first quarter final being decided by a penalty shoot out, which was decisively won by Croatia 4-2.
Brazil dispensed with their enthusiastic dance routine today as Neymar scored his extra time goal against Croatia
The team's flamboyant celebrations in their match against South Korea generated criticism last week, especially from pundit Roy Keane (pictured)
Lucas Paqueta looks dejected during the first half of Brazil's World Cup quarter final clash with Croatia at the Education City Stadium
It was a huge contrast compared to Brazil demolition of South Korea in the last 16 on December 5 where players performed a dance routine after every goal, pictured
The Brazilians have come under fire for their 'disrespectful' goal celebrations during the tournament, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane blasting their moves during the match against the Koreans.
'I don't like this,' he said on ITV Sport. 'People say it's their culture. But I think that's really disrespecting the opposition. It's four goals, and they are doing it every time.
'I don't mind so much the first jig, it's the one after that, and the manager getting involved. I'm not happy about it. I don't think it's good at all.'
And today fans poked fun at the Brazilians' inability during the opening half to hit the back of the net, as players held their head in their hands in dismay.
One said: 'I'm starting to think Brazil actually spent the entire break practicing their dances rather than planning against Croatia.'
There were chances, like this one from Brazilian midfield Casemiro, but none of Brazil's efforts during the first 75 minutes hit the back of the net
It was a thought echoed by another user on Twitter, who added: 'It feels like Brazil has been too busy studying their next dance routines instead of focusing on the actual game.'
Others were even harsher, with one football fan saying: 'I hope #Brazil get hammered 4-0 & Croatia do a whole dance routine for every goal.'
And another said: 'Hope they lose, and see their little dance then. They are an embarrassment to be wearing the Brazil shirt and could hold a candle to the past Brazil sides - the sides from 1970 and 1982 just to name two.'
Brazil have won
