'I'm psychologically destroyed': Neymar expresses pain at Brazil's World Cup penalty shootout defeat by Croatia in emotional Instagram post... as he explains he was 'paralysed for 10 minutes' and insists his side DESERVED to win the tournament
- Neymar has expressed his pain at Brazil's World Cup exit in an Instagram post
- His side lost to Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals of the World Cup
- The forward said he is 'psychologically destroyed' following the shock defeat
- He added he thought Brazil deserved to win the tournament despite their exit
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Neymar has admitted he was left 'paralysed for 10 minutes' after Brazil's defeat to Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
The forward opened up to his 193million Instagram followers on Saturday after the penalty shootout defeat, which shocked fans around the world as the favourites were dumped out of the competition.
Neymar insisted he is 'psychologically destroyed' following the result, but expressed his pride in his team as he admitted the group 'deserved' to win the tournament.
![Neymar has expressed his pain at Brazil's World Cup exit in an emotional Instagram post](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/11/14/65469979-11526227-image-a-22_1670770133135.jpg)
Neymar has expressed his pain at Brazil's World Cup exit in an emotional Instagram post
![The forward broke down at full time after his side's exit from the World Cup was confirmed on Friday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/11/14/65469743-0-image-a-36_1670769361116.jpg)
The forward broke down at full time after his side's exit from the World Cup was confirmed on Friday night
'I'm psychologically destroyed', Neymar began. 'This was certainly the defeat that hurt me the most, which made me paralyzed for 10 minutes and right after I fell into non-stop crying.
'It's gonna hurt for a loooong time, unfortunately. We fought until the end. That's what I'm proud of my team-mates because there was no lack of commitment and dedication.
'This group deserved it, we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it... But this was not the will of GOD! It was worth every sacrifice to feel the affection of each one from inside the field.
![Neymar was left visibly upset at full time and had to be consoled by team-mates on the field](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/11/14/65469745-0-image-a-37_1670769367331.jpg)
Neymar was left visibly upset at full time and had to be consoled by team-mates on the field
![Croatia are now targeting a spot in the final for the second time in as many tournaments](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/11/14/65469771-0-image-a-39_1670769409589.jpg)
Croatia are now targeting a spot in the final for the second time in as many tournaments
'Thank you all for your support with our national team. Unfortunately it didn't work out. It's gonna hurt for a long, long time.
'Thank you for everything my GOD, you have given me everything so I can't complain. Just thank for watching over me All honor and glory are always for you, regardless of the circumstances.'
Brazil were heavily fancied to win the tournament and based their foundations on strong defence and flair up top, but struggled to break down Croatia on Friday.
![Neymar decided against taking a penalty in the shootout to the shock of many fans](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/11/14/65469747-0-image-a-38_1670769370597.jpg)
Neymar decided against taking a penalty in the shootout to the shock of many fans
Neymar has sparked jubilant celebrations after putting Tite's side 1-0 up in extra time, but Bruno Petkovic hit back before Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed penalties to send the South Americans packing.
Neymar has had a tough relationship with World Cups, missing the second half of the 2014 tournament in his home country through injury before Brazil lost to Belgium in the quarter-finals of the 2018 tournament.
Neymar surprisingly didn't take a penalty against Croatia, and must now wait another four years to win his much-desired first Jules Rimet trophy.
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