Neymar praised Scolari's decision to hire a psychologist to help the Brazil squad - Goal

The 22-year-old admits the Selecao players are enjoying the alternative mental approach on offer in camp as they cope with the pressure of expectation as the host nation

Neymar has praised Luiz Felipe Scolari's decision to hire a psychologist to help the Brazil squad keep their emotions in check during the World Cup.

With the Selecao under huge pressure to win the competition for a record sixth time in front of their own fans this summer, several players have been reduced to tears during the national anthem before games.

Some of the Selecao squad also appeared emotional after the team’s tense penalty shootout victory over Chile in the last-16 tie in Belo Horizonte.

That reaction led to Brazil's technical director and 1970 World Cup-winner Carlos Alberto criticising the team for allowing their feelings to take over, and Scolari hiring psychologist Regina Brandao to work with the players - a move praised by Neymar.

"I had never done anything like it before and I am quite enjoying it," the Barcelona star said.

"It is not only us in football, who are surrounded by emotions every day and need psychologists. I think it could do every person good, to make one more relaxed.

"We have a very good relationship with Regina Brandao. She is a great person. I am learning a lot and I hope to continuing doing it."

Scolari’s team will be hoping to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup when they play Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Fortaleza on Friday.