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Neymar: I'm still not fully fit

Wednesday, June 04, 2014 by Goal.com

The Brazil star was instrumental in the demolition of Panama but admits he still isn't in prime condition, while Luiz Felipe Scolari was pleased to see him play 90 minutes

Neymar has admitted that he is still not 100 per cent match fit after playing the full 90 minutes in Brazil's 4-0 win over Panama.

The Barcelona starlet opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side 27 minutes into the game after a slow initial start from his team.

The World Cup hosts then went on to score three more, with Neymar picking up an assist as he found Hulk, who slotted home early in the second half.

Despite playing the full game, the 22-year-old feels he is still not in the best physical condition but says he will be fully fit when the tournament kicks off in nine days.

"I'm not ready yet," he told reporters after the game. "I'm still lacking a bit of match fitness and I'm a little tired at the end of the game - but we will arrive at the tournament in perfect physical shape.

"I would like it if there was a little more patience from our fans from the start. We were not used to this pitch but then the team picked up the pace and we were getting used to it and we improved."

Scolari was asked if he could have left Neymar out of the team, but the 65-year-old rejected the idea and insisted he will play a full strength XI in next week's friendly against Serbia, their last game before their World Cup opener against Croatia.

The coach said: "No, I would not have kept him out - he was left on for 90 minutes because he needs rhythm. He won't be spared unless something happens. Every day he has a different play, he improvises very well.

"For the next game, no player will be spared. Those who are already in the team will be able to play, I will have all players available and the idea is to put out all of the players who can start against Croatia."

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