Brazilian superstar Neymar showed the best and
worst of his game as he inspired a 5-0 thrashing of El Salvador in a
friendly international held in Landover, Maryland, late Tuesday.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward opened the scoring from the spot in
the fourth minute and contributed another three assists but was also
given a yellow card diving.
It was Brazil's second match following their quarter-final exit from
the World Cup in summer having beaten the United States 2-0 on
Friday.
Neymar's goal was his 59th for his country in 92 games and brings him
within three of Ronaldo in second-place on the all-time scoring list
for the Selecao.
The great Pele remains atop that prestigious chart with 77 but at
26-years-old, Neymar has time on his side to chase even that mark.
"We suffered at the World Cup, me especially, so it's a great honour
to be back in the team," said Neymar. "Coming back with victories,
scoring goals and helping my team-mates is the best possible way, of
course."
After netting from the spot, Neymar's passes set up goals for
Richarlison and Philippe Coutinho before the break and his corner was
converted by Marquinhos late on after Richarlison had grabbed his
second.
Neymar was criticized for his frequent dives at the World Cup in
Russia and was booked before half-time for falling after the lightest
of touches from defender El Salvador's Bryan Tamacas.
Brazil are scheduled to play friendlies against Argentina and Saudi
Arabia in October as they continue preparations for the home Copa
America in 2019.
Elsewhere in the region, Argentina and Colombia drew 0-0 in New
Jersey, with Lionel Messi not part of the Argentina squad as he is
yet to say whether he will continue in the national team in the wake
of a last-16 exit at the World Cup
Ecuador beat Guatemala 2-0 and Panama lost 2-0 to Venezuela.
And there was a 1-0 victory for the United States over arch-rivals
Mexico with Tyler Adams hitting a 72nd minute winner shortly after
Angel Zaldivar was sent off.