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Friday, September 6, 2013

Neymar asks, Archie who?

socceroos thompson

6 September 2013-AAP

Prankster... Thompson has made the most of his time in Brazil (Getty)


His name is instantly recognisable by millions of fans worldwide but when it comes to Australia's football elite, Brazilian superstar Neymar was left asking: Archie who?
The question arose at a media conference when the 21-year-old football sensation, who recently signed with Spanish giant Barcelona, was quizzed about a comment Archie Thompson had made.
The veteran Socceroos striker had cheekily remarked to local media that he didn't get all the hype surrounding Neymar and that he actually preferred his Brazilian team-mate and Chelsea midfielder Oscar - also 21-years old.
When asked what he thought of Thompson's tongue-in-cheek comment Neymar, far from being rude, was genuinely unaware of who Thompson even was.
"What is his name?," he asked
"He can say what he likes. I don't know him so he can say what he wants. I can't say anything good or bad.
"I hope he plays well but that our team beats his on Saturday."
The Socceroos are preparing to meet the five-time world champion in an international friendly in Brasilia on Saturday (Sunday AEST) as they commence their preparations for next year's World Cup.
Oscar, who didn't say if he whether or not he knew who Thompson was, will at least be familiar with Chelsea team-mate Mark Schwarzer when the sides clash at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha.
But he was pleased with the compliment nonetheless.
"I'm very happy for that comment," he said.
"It's nice to have that recognition for the work I've put in for Chelsea and the national team."
Despite Brazil being the overwhelming favourite Oscar said he's prepared for a tough contest against Australia.
"The have a very strong team, physically there are going to be a test," he said.
"We have to work hard and find ways to combat a team that are well organised in defence.
"We know Australia are going to mark tightly, particularly in the centre of defence, which means we might have to play wider to create space."