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#9 Philippe Coutinho
Brazil entered Russia as favourites and everyone predicted this to be Neymar’s tournament. But the 26-year-old star shone dim as one of his teammates lit up Russia. Philippe Coutinho was without a doubt Brazil's star.
Coutinho started the tournament with a trademark Coutinho goal and his performances followed suit. He was the fulcrum of the Brazilian side, dictating play and being in the centre of everything good his side did. He scored a second goal in the next game against Costa Rica. When his team needed him the most a clever late run into the box broke the deadlock in the 90th minute.
Coutinho’s brilliance wasn’t enough for the pre-tournament favourites to live up to their billing, but with his 2 goals and 2 assists Coutinho was Brazil's star. This was his team, not Neymar’s.
