Ronaldo hopes Neymar 'comes back stronger' after Brazil's World Cup exit

Neymar will 'come back stronger' after Brazil's World Cup exit, hopes legendary striker Ronaldo.

Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup by Croatia on penalties on Friday, despite Neymar putting a goal past Brazil in the second half of extra time.

Bruno Petkovic's deflected finish put Brazil off with four minutes remaining, and Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their penalty kicks as Croatia reached the semi-finals for a second straight tournament.

Neymar was due to take the fifth penalty for Brazil, but his teammates' misfires prevented him from having the chance and the Paris Saint-Germain star was left in tears after the shoot-out ended .

Ronaldo, who won the Golden Boot as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup, hopes Neymar will recover from his disappointment in Qatar.

"I think right now he's upset about the elimination," Ronaldo told reporters on Monday. "It's normal that he feels that way, but I'm sure he'll come back stronger and keep playing for the team.

"He is still young and I think he can play in the next World Cup. I am very happy that he has shown the world his commitment to the national team and that he has taken care of himself in the past six months.

"It's very important for us, so I hope he recovers quickly and comes back stronger with PSG and the Selecao."

Ronaldo believes that Brazil's lack of cruelty in Friday's quarter-final loss ultimately cost them a place in the last four, explaining: "Brazil had a great World Cup.

“We only lacked the vice, that is to say knowing how to waste time when you are leading. After that goal in added time [Neymar's strike to give Brazil a 1-0 lead], the game should have been over.

"You have to know how to move the ball well and chase the opponent, keep them away from the goal. You need that little trick, be smart. I think that's the only thing we lacked against the Croatia."

Brazil arrived in Qatar as favorites to win the tournament for a record sixth time.

But their departure appears to have opened the door for defending champions France to become the first team to retain their World Cup crown since Brazil in 1962.

Ronaldo sees Les Bleus as the team to beat now, with Didier Deschamps' side due to face Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

"My prediction, before the start of the World Cup, was a final between France and Brazil," said the 46-year-old. "Brazil is no longer there, but France confirms in every game that they are among the favourites.

"I even think they are the big favourites. France have a very solid team, both in defense and in attack."

Frenchman Kylian Mbappe was one of the stars of the World Cup and currently tops the scoring charts with five out of five games at the tournament.

Ronaldo hailed the 23-year-old's abilities saying: "Mbappe is having a very good World Cup. He has incredible physical and technical qualities, for me he will be the best player in the World Cup.

"He reminds me a bit of me when I was playing. He knows how to use his skills, his speed and his power, how to go faster than others and use them to pass or score. He is impressive."