'I'm wiser now'
Neymar has been a revelation for French giants Paris Saint-Germain since his world record switch from Barcelona and is now aiming to fire Brazil to a record sixth title when the tournament gets underway in Russia on June 14.
In 2014 on home soil Neymar helped the hosts overcome Chile and Colombia before a devastating injury prevented him taking the field in the 7-1 semi-final defeat by eventual winners Germany.
His four goals in the tournament still saw him finish third in the Golden Boot, but with 53 goals now to his name, hot on the heels of Pele's national record of 77, he believes he can make his mark once again.
Asked what the biggest difference was between the Neymar from 2014 World Cup and the one we will see in the 2018 edition, the Brazilian said he was wiser.
"The difference is hard to explain, but I think I'm more experienced, more wise, more 'cascudo', as we say in Brazil," he began. "This is because I had many experiences, I participated in a World Cup where we lost and I think I'll be more prepared for the next one, because I know what it's like to be in a World Cup, I can be better prepared. So the Neymar in 2018 is better than the Neymar in 2014."
Like his coach Tite, Neymar also picked Belgium as one of the sides to look out for in the upcoming World Cup, while picking Egypt as his dark horses for the tournament.
"I think the best-known teams are the favourites, as always. Among them are Brazil, Germany, France, Spain and Argentina. These teams will be the highlights in any championship. And for the surprise, I think Belgium has an excellent team and can be a surprise in this Cup. Salah [from Egypt] is a great player who can make a difference in the World Cup."
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