Matthaeus criticizes Neymar's attitude at World Cup

CAIRO – 4 July 2018: The 1990 World Cup winner, Lothar Matthaeus, believes that Brazilian winger, Neymar Jr, does not need to exaggerate when he is fouled.

“Neymar does not need it. He is an excellent player, one of the five best players in the world, why does he need the acting?” Matthaeus told press on Wednesday.

The Brazilian led his team to reach 2018 World Cup quarter finals scoring a goal and providing an assist against Mexico at round of 16 to lead his team to a 2-0 victory.

Lembranças de uma classificação... Valeu, galera! #GigantesPorNatureza #Copa2018

Fotos: Lucas Figueiredo/CBF pic.twitter.com/ilVluenAWG

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) July 2, 2018

However, the winger was accused of over acting after a tackle from a Mexican defender during the game.

NEYMAR: PLAY-ACTING OR LEGIT STAMP?#AstroWC2018 pic.twitter.com/C2a1fQpai1

— Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) July 2, 2018

Matthaeus added: “It does not bring him sympathy. The 1986 World Cup winner, Diego Maradona, was not acting, Lionel Messi is not acting. We need players like Neymar but not the acting."

Matthaeus participated at three World Cup finals. He lost the title in 1982 and 1986 to Italy and Argentina, respectively and achieved the title in 1990 after a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Brazil will face Belgium on Friday June 6 at the quarter finals.