Neymar still chasing Brazil World Cup recall

RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar said that he has not given up hope of securing a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad after being overlooked for warm-up friendlies against France and Croatia later this month.

The Santos forward marked his return from injury with an assist in the Brazilian club's 1-1 home draw with Corinthians on Sunday. But it did not persuade Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to recall him to the national team after an absence of almost two and a half years, reported Xinhua.

"I'll speak about it because it can't be left unaddressed," the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star told reporters.

"Obviously I am upset and sad not to have been called up, but the focus continues day after day, training session after training session and match after match. We will achieve our objective. There is still one final call-up to come and the dream continues."