A glorious third minute goal from Neymar set Brazil on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Japan in the Confederations Cup opener at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha.
There had been much debate as to whether Neymar could rise to the occasion, and he lived entirely up to the hype with a brilliant opening goal after just three minutes.
Real Madrid defender Marcelo crossed languidly from the left towards Fred, who chested down the ball for Neymar.
And the new Barcelona signing struck sweetly on the half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Frustration nearly grew from the Brasília crowd before Paulinho fired in the second early in the second half and Jô wrapped it up with almost the last kick of the game.
"I've said it already, Neymar is a fine player, who may not be on his best sometimes, but is a great talent, he can make a difference," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari told reporters.
Neymar added: "I am delighted to have scored. I always say that I want to evolve my game, and want the team to play as a group."
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| Brazil forward Neymar celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Japan Photo: Getty Images |
There had been much debate as to whether Neymar could rise to the occasion, and he lived entirely up to the hype with a brilliant opening goal after just three minutes.
Real Madrid defender Marcelo crossed languidly from the left towards Fred, who chested down the ball for Neymar.
And the new Barcelona signing struck sweetly on the half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Frustration nearly grew from the Brasília crowd before Paulinho fired in the second early in the second half and Jô wrapped it up with almost the last kick of the game.
"I've said it already, Neymar is a fine player, who may not be on his best sometimes, but is a great talent, he can make a difference," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari told reporters.
Neymar added: "I am delighted to have scored. I always say that I want to evolve my game, and want the team to play as a group."
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