Neymar: Rough treatment 'part of the game'

The Barcelona star was brought down on 12 occasions during Brazil's victory over South Korea on Saturday but holds no grudges against opposition defenders

Neymar has dismissed suggestions he was targeted for particularly rough treatment by South Korea during Brazil’s 2-0 victory in Seoul.



The Barcelona star was the victim of 12 fouls during his side’s triumph at the Word Cup Stadium and is the joint most-fouled player in La Liga since making the switch from Santos in the summer.



But the Selecao star, who gave Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side the lead with an expertly-dispatched free-kick in the first half, says close attention from defenders is no problem for him.



"It has become routine,” he said. “It's something I carry with me. But it's okay because it's just part of the game.”



The 21-year-old found the net for the third straight game and went on to praise his team-mates for their performance.



"I would like to congratulate my team-mates for overcoming this game,” he said.



“Everyone who entered during the match played very well."



South Korea’s Lee Chung-Yong praised the efforts of the Brazilian and admitted his regret at his side’s inability to find a way through a strong Selecao defence.



“Defensively, we did well against world class team,” said the Bolton man.



“But in attack we were disappointing. I made some mistakes and could not make any breakthrough.



“But the South Korean players have to help each other and work to make up the difference as a team. That is how we will be able to compete at the World Cup.”