Neymar 'thankful' after scoring on return from injury in Brazil's thrashing of South Korea

Neymar was in a generous mood after picking up the Player of the Match award for Brazil's 4-1 World Cup last 16 win against South Korea on Monday night.

The PSG forward had only recently returned to training after being sidelined with an ankle injury just one game into this winter's tournament.

There had been reports that Neymar may have even struggled to return in time to complete the tournament, but he made his comeback on Monday evening in style, scoring from the penalty spot in an emphatic win for Brazil.

Speaking to the media post-match, Neymar said many thanks to those who have helped him recover so quickly, and praised the efforts of his teammates after such a resounding victory.

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"First of all, I would like to say thank God for the strength I have. To be back on the pitch, to be able to train and to be able to do everything I needed to do to be on the pitch again. Thank you to my physiotherapists, to all my colleagues who encouraged me over the last few days.

I am very happy to be back in the field of play, I am happy to have played well. Being called the player of the match is something somewhat difficult because everyone played well. We needed to commend all the players and we are very happy with our performance.

"That's what we wanted. We wanted to move to the next round, we wanted to win and that's what we got."

Brazil have set up a quarter-final tie with Croatia this Friday, who beat Japan on penalties earlier on Monday.