The 31-year-old former Barcelona striker just lately moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian membership Al Hilal.
Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil’s all-time high scorer with two second-half targets in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in South America’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
The 31-year-old striker went into the sport degree with Pele on 77 targets and had a golden alternative to interrupt the record within the seventeenth minute when Brazil had been awarded a penalty.
But he seemed distraught after his gentle spot-kick was simply saved by Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra to maintain the scores goalless.
Seven minutes later, Brazil bought in entrance when Rodrygo reacted shortly to fit residence after a shot from Raphinha was parried out by Viscarra.
Brazil doubled their lead simply after the break when Raphinha minimize in from the left and his low shot took a slight deflection as it flew into the underside nook.
Neymar had a hand in Brazil’s third, with a intelligent chipped go that was flicked on by Bruno Guimaraes into the trail of Rodrygo who confidently drilled residence.
Then got here Neymar’s second to enter the historical past books as he pounced on a unfastened ball contained in the field and tucked away his 78th purpose in his one hundred and twenty fifth recreation for his nation – elevating his fingers and his gaze to the skies.
Victor Abrego pulled a purpose again for Bolivia, bustling by means of a disorganized Brazil backline earlier than blasting an unstoppable shot previous Ederson.
But there was nonetheless time for Neymar to increase his record tally, connecting with a low ball from Raphinha in stoppage time to finish the victory and a memorable evening for the ahead.
The 31-year-old former Barcelona striker just lately moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian membership Al Hilal.
Pele, who died in December aged 82, scored 77 targets for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971.
The win was the right begin for brand spanking new coach Fernando Diniz, who took over from predecessor Tite within the wake of the Selecao’s World Cup quarter-final exit final yr.
Diniz paid tribute to Neymar, whose position within the squad has been underneath scrutiny.
“Many did not know what he would come to do, and he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record,” he stated.
“He is a very big idol, people must recognize him and accept him,” he added.
– Uruguay activate model –
In Friday’s different recreation, Uruguay turned on the model, underneath new coach Marcelo Bielsa, as they beat Chile 3-1.
Argentine Bielsa, who had beforehand coached Chile between 2007 and 2011, opted for a youthful line-up with out veteran strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.
Bielsa was rewarded with an entertaining show from his new expenses with River Plate attacking midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz scoring twice.
De la Cruz opened the scoring with a effective left-foot strike within the thirty eighth minute earlier than Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde doubled the benefit on the stroke of half-time.
De la Cruz broke down the left earlier than switching to Valverde, who made house earlier than burying a shot into the far backside nook.
The third purpose, within the 71st minute, got here after a quick break down the left with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez pulling the ball again into the trail of De la Cruz who made no mistake from shut vary.
Chile pulled a purpose again three minutes later with Arturo Vidal scrambling the ball residence after a Diego Valdes header got here out off the bar.
Bielsa was delighted with the show from his new expenses.
“I like the style of the Uruguayan players,” he stated, “The style of play is imposed by individuals not the coach. The first ten minutes were not good but then we progressively generated goal opportunities and wore down the opponent,” he added.
The qualification course of for the expanded 48-team World Cup, to be held within the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026, provides two further locations for South America with six groups qualifying instantly.
The seventh out of the ten nations will head to an inter-continental play-off.
The opening video games on Thursday noticed Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 with a purpose from Lionel Messi whereas Peru drew 0-0 at Paraguay and Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0.
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