Neymar, in his first press conference for the national team in nearly a year, insists Brazil and re the best team in the world.

Brazil are top of the South American World Cup qualifying for Russia next summer by seven points having won nine of their 13 games so far.

But the 25-year-old also admitted he had to mature and promised Brazil would be one of the favourites in the next World Cup in Russia.

Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Show all 9 1 /9 Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Neymar scores his first against Croatia After going a goal behind in the very first match of the tournament courtesy of a Marcelo own goal, Neymar got his tally off the mark as he scored from long range to drag Brazil level. GETTY IMAGES Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup He adds his second in controversial circumstances Despite a stop-start, jerky run up, Neymar converts from the penalty spot to give Brazil the lead and they would go on to secure a 3-1 victory. However, the Croatians were infuriated by what they perceived as a dive from striker Fred to win the penalty. Not that it mattered to Neymar, who duly took his chance from the spot. GETTY IMAGES Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup But was he lucky to be on the pitch? A stray elbow on Luka Modric could have warranted a red card for Neymar, but he escaped with a yellow and was on hand to score later in the match when the opportunity arose. Getty Images Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Tears of pride Neymar in tears during the Brazil national anthem before the game with Mexico, such is the importance of the occasion GETTY IMAGES Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Neymar left frustrated against Mexico An unimpressive Brazil side were left hugely frustrated by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. In a man-of-the-match display, Ochoa kept out a close range header from Neymar to see the match end as a goalless draw. GETTY IMAGES Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Back on form and back in the goals You can’t keep a quality player quiet for long though, and unfortunately for Cameroon, their dismal World Cup campaign came to an end at the hands of another Neymar brace. Taking his tally to four goals, Neymar put himself in the reckoning for the Golden Boot, although his injury has put paid to that dream for now. Getty Images Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Caught with his pants down Despite being the poster boy of Fifa’s World Cup, the governing body confirmed that they were investigating Neymar for allegedly breaching sponsorship rules by partially showing the top of his underwear that may or may not have been part of a sponsorship stunt. Eventually, Fifa conformed they would take no further action. GETTY IMAGES Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup Neymar’s penalty prowess sees off Chile After a hard-fought 120 minutes, Brazil and Chile were locked at 1-1 courtesy of David Luiz and Alexis Sanchez strikes. Mauricio Pinilla and Sanchez both saw their penalty shootout efforts saved by Julio Cesar, but Willian and Hulk followed suit. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Neymar coolly slotted home from the spot, which turned out to be the match-winner as Gonzalo Jara then hit the post to send Brazil through to the quarter-finals. Neymar's best and worst moments of the 2014 World Cup One assist, no goals and a trip to hospital sees Neymar done The forward had seen his impact in the quarter-final against Colombia somewhat limited due to the rough and tumble nature of the match – although the Brazilians were just as guilty of using the tactic against James Rodriguez. His corner allowed Thiago Silva to bundle the ball across the line for the opener, before Juan Camilo Zuniga’s ill-timed knee in the back cracked on of Neymar’s vertebrae and ended his run at this year’s World Cup. GETTY IMAGES

But while the 25-year-old promised Brazil would be among the favourites for a sixth World Cup triumph next summer, he also admitted he had to mature a lot since they hosted the tournament in 2014.

"There was never a dependency on Neymar. This is Brazil. If focused, our team is the best," he said before the World Cup qualifying match against seventh-place Paraguay on Tuesday.

"There has been a big change. We now have more confidence to seek our identity and we did it. No matter when or where, Brazil will always be one of the favourites for titles.

"We know this, we are humble enough to respect our adversaries, we have to play. Sometimes one part or the other didn't fit. But coach Tite arrived and made adjustments. We are playing football. The players are not so different — it is the way of playing. Now everyone turns up."

But Neymar also accepted he had to change to get to the current level of play.

"We only learn when we get hurt or do something wrong. I already argued unnecessarily. I got yellow and red cards, harmed myself, harmed my teammates. But time makes us more mature. Nowadays I only think about playing football, I am better in every aspect," he added.

"Everyone needs time to get their heads straight so things calm down. I had my moment of being a little more silent, but now I am speaking again."

Although some already put him as future best player in the world, including big names like former Italian defender Alessandro Costacurta, Neymar rejected comparisons with multiple Ballon D'Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

"I don't feel comfortable to compare," he said. "They are two geniuses who have had colossal performances. I admire both. One is on my side every day, is the best I've played with."

"I was having a lot of difficulties in my beginning (at Barcelona). Then the best in the world said 'Calm down, it will all fall into place, play your game.' It was great for me.

"I was reticent about talking to an idol, but Messi helped me relax. We are friends and that helps on the pitch. I also get along with Luis Suarez, we always help each other. I am very happy for this moment that I am living."