Rivaldo

When Rivaldo Coetzee was reinvented as a defensive midfielder a few seasons ago at Mamelodi Sundowns, it raised many eyebrows as to why then coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical team saw the need to convert an excellent central defender.

Coutinho moved on loan to Bayern Munich last summer and the Bavarian club have an option to buy the Brazilian for €120m, but now look unlikely to exercise that clause and Rivaldo says he could have a future at Barca.

There are Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Romário, three former Brazilian World Cup winners, all awarded the title of best player in the world in their time by FIFA.

Rivaldo did suggest that Neymar's antics mean he is in danger of provoking harsher treatment from opponents who are targeting Brazil's talisman.

What Rivaldo really wants to get into is the mental side of being at a World Cup: the business of coping with pressure, overcoming difficulties, writing a new story for oneself.