London 2012 Olympics: Brazilian striker Neymar laments David Beckham's absence from Team GB The 20-year-old Santos star, who burst on to the international scene following the World Cup in South Africa two years ago and has netted nine goals in his first 18 games for the seleção, hopes that without the influence of Beckham his country can finally claim the only international title that has hitherto eluded them. And Neymar, a target for a raft of top European clubs, said: "When Beckham was not selected I was a little happy and a little sad. I was happy because he will not be competing against us so it is a little less complicated for us. Brazil take on Team GB, led by Beckham's former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs, in a friendly match ahead of the Olympics at the Riverside Stadium on Friday, and Neymar is expecting a tough challenge. He continued: "They are a big team made from four countries so they will be very strong. There is a great expectation at home for us to win the gold medal. It is very important because we have never won Olympic gold before so now we have a chance to make history. Brazil tackle Egypt in their first game of the campaign, and Neymar admits he has little idea what to expect from the north African country and added: "I don't know much about them because I have never played against them, but some of my team-mates have, and they say Egypt have lots of quality. But our coach Mano Menezes will give us all the information we need about it and I am sure we will have a good match. Winning this tournament would show that we are on the right track for winning the 2014 World Cup [which is in Brazil].