"The most important thing was the team and I think this was our best performance," said the 22-year-old after receiving his award at the National Stadium in Brasilia yesterday.
"Not because of the number of goals we scored but because of how we played, pressing our opponents in the way we wanted to. Congratulations to everyone.
"We are on the right track and are growing all the time as we get closer to making our dream come true."
"I think it will be a very difficult match. Everyone who is watching the World Cup knows that there are no weak teams in the competition," said Neymar, who has now scored four goals in his first three World Cup matches, equalling a feat achieved by his great predecessor Pele.
"Everybody is at the same level. Football is becoming harder and harder so we will be up against very strong opposition."
"I told him that he needed to have a moustache to score goals and when he got the goal I reminded him of that," said Neymar.
Fred came in for constant criticism for his performances in Brazil's opening 3-1 win against Croatia and in the 0-0 draw with Mexico last week, but he produced a much-improved all-round display against Cameroon, including netting his side's third goal on the day.
The 30-year-old forward declared: "I had been suffering after these two games in which I had not scored and the criticism that I had received.
"This evolution must continue because we are heading into the knockout phase where we cannot afford to make any mistakes. I hope I don't stop scoring goals now."
As for the moustache, the Fluminense striker said: "It is only coming off if my team-mates shave it off.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
