World Cup 2018: 3 players who let Brazil down 

#1 Neymar

Neymar, despite his ability, wilted under the pressure once more

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both out. Neymar - supposedly the heir to their throne - consciously knew that this was his golden opportunity to step out of the shadows, silence critics and earn plaudits by spearheading the Brazil side to their sixth World Cup triumph.

Alas, it wasn't to be. Not for want of trying either. In terms of performances and overall contribution, only Philippe Coutinho did more for Seleção than the 26-year-old. 23 key passes, 22 completed dribbles, two goals and an assist in five matches.

It could be worse, but for a superstar those statistics are not as good as they may seem, not least because I haven't even begun to tell you how many times he was dispossessed or the total match time (14 minutes) that the PSG forward was on the turf, claiming to be injured.

Neymar was ridiculed for his theatrics and disappointing decision-making throughout the tournament

Neymar's issue has never been talent, but applying it and displaying the necessary urgency in key moments is a reoccurring problem that is clear to see whenever he is called upon during big matches.

PSG's Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid this past season is a prime example where he was more than happy to dribble past opponents with ease but when it came to making the crucial goal-scoring decision in front of goal, he struggled to make the right ones.

Against Belgium, this was no different. 7 key passes and 3 dribbles, yet he was dispossessed on five occasions and lost the ball five more times elsewhere too.

His theatrics in the box were clear for everyone to see again, trying to earn a cheap spot-kick - which critics suggested made the referee's decision a clearer one when Jesus himself had actually been fouled by club mate Vincent Kompany.

"I can tell you that this is the saddest moment of my career. The pain is very big because we knew we could have gone far. It's difficult to find the strength to want to play football again, but I'm sure God will give me enough strength to face anything." - Neymar after their 2-1 defeat

If he genuinely harbours any desire to become the world's best player, his World Cup performances have justified why there's so much more work left for him to reach his ceiling before it's too late.