The five-time world champions, who will stage the 2014 World Cup, laboured to a 1-0 friendly win over Bafana Bafana, with Hulk's 74th-minute effort deciding matters at the Morumbi Stadium.

Several of Brazil's players have all since expressed their dismay at being jeered by sections of the 50 000-strong crowd.

But Neymar, whose status as the heir apparent to maestros Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Pele took a knock in Sao Paulo, has revealed that the pressure may be getting too much for him.

The 20-year-old also failed to deliver for the national team at the Olympics, the Samba Kings having lost out to Mexico in the final despite the favourites tag.

"I felt sick because of what happened against South Africa. I am not a machine," Neymar was quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.

"I was exhausted after Friday's match, both physically and mentally.

"I just want to keep on playing and help Santos and the national team."