Probably because he’d staved off embarrassment, harassment and undoubted comparisons to Lionel Messi, this World Cup’s current whipping boy following repeated disappointment.

But Brazil’s No. 10, one of the top players entering this tournament, still deserves rebuking for a different reason than his South American counterpart.

Neymar’s petulance — the whining, the complaining, the arm-flailing, the diving — is more than aggravating. It’s turning everyone against him, including those who recognized his undoubted talent.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers, 45, was assigned this fixture for a reason. One of this tournament’s most experienced officials had the stones to repeatedly wag a finger in Neymar’s face every time Brazil’s top player went down easy here at Krestovsky Stadium.

Their final heated exchange midway through the second half probably provoked the Dutch official to produce one of the biggest, most blush-worthy moments at this tournament so far.

Neymar became the first player to have a penalty revoked by VAR after Kuipers had a second look and ruled the Brazilian had embellished inside the box. Everyone not wearing yellow quite enjoyed the decision.

That said, there’s no doubt Neymar was fouled on the play. There’s also no doubt the decision went against him due to his repeated antics at this World Cup.

If only that had capped Brazil’s day after its best player was ripped for being selfish in a disappointing Matchday 1 draw with Switzerland.

Instead, a stoppage-time strike from Philippe Coutinho provided the Selecao the only goal they’d need before Neymar tacked on another with seconds remaining to relieve the anxiety he also shed through tears post-game.

Again, were they the tears of a man thrilled with a result, or the tears of someone who’d just alienated a large percentage of football fans?

“The joy and satisfaction and pride of representing the Brazilian national team is a lot,” Brazilian coach Tite said in excusing Neymar’s roller coaster of emotions.

“(Neymar) has the pressure,” he added. “He has the courage to show it. Every person shows it the way they can.”

Then he justified Neymar’s pettiness, his constant appeals, by questioning Kuipers’ decision to rescind the PK he originally awarded before deciding he’d been duped.

“We don’t need referees to win the game,” an animated Tite suggested. “We don’t need that. We just want it to be fair! To me, it was a penalty.”

He referred back to Brazil’s previous match and reminded a room of friendly Brazilian journalists his side had been denied a clear penalty against Switzerland.

“We don’t want any help (from the referees),” Tite continued, playing the victim moments after his own player had flopped around on the field. “We don’t need any help. The athletes don’t want any help.”

It was a statement that seemed to run counter to Neymar’s in-game actions. Tunnel cameras captured the Paris Saint-Germain striker accosting the referees at halftime in an episode that exhibited Neymar’s tendency to think he deserves special treatment.

There were moments early in this Group E fixture that made it seem as though Neymar thought he was above being challenged, as if the name on the back of his shirt protected him from physicality when the stakes were highest.

The problem with Brazil’s top player is the good he produces doesn’t outweigh the bad right now. The few moments of brilliance Neymar shows doesn’t trump what consistently turns off viewers: The silly games he’s playing at this World Cup.

Some enjoyed seeing Neymar showboat near the end of this match with a rainbow flick that ultimately saw him needlessly lose possession.

It was more surprising an irritated Costa Rican defender didn’t come through and clean him out — and give one of the most annoying players at this tournament an actual reason to be on the ground.

TITE: NEYMAR FINDING WAY BACK FROM INJURY

SAINT PETERSBURG — Brazil coach Tite says Neymar hasn’t yet reached the top of his game at this tournament.

The 26-year-old striker only recently returned from a foot injury that saw him miss three months of action before this World Cup.

“His individuality shows up if the whole group is playing well,” Tite said following Brazil’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica. “You can’t put all the responsibility on the shoulders of one player.

“He is resuming a process that I’ve been talking about. He (missed) three and a half months and he played the full match (today).

He’s a human being. He needs some time to resume his high standard. There is still a team that needs to be strong and not dependent on him.”

Tite’s prediction will need to hold true if Brazil is going to return to glory following disappointment four years ago.

“Will he make it? Yes, of course,” Tite said of Neymar returning to top form. “He’s going to reach the top. You’ll see.”

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