Neymar masterclass: Scores all four goals in Brazil’s victory over Japan

SINGAPORE — FC Barcelona superstar Neymar proved today (Oct 14) why he deserved Brazil’s captain’s armband by scoring all four goals for the Selecao in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Japan.

The game, which was attended by 51,577 people, saw Brazil race off to an early lead in the 18th minute, when Neymar latched on to a through ball from Diego Tardelli before rounding Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima for the goal.

Both sides had started the game well. Neymar had a penalty appeal rejected and a free-kick hit the woodwork before he scored, while Japanese striker Yu Kobayashi troubled the Brazilian defence in the early stages of the game.

Three minutes after the second half started (48th minute), Neymar scored again. Once more, the FC Barcelona striker broke Japan’s offside trap, finishing in the bottom left-hand corner of the goal, after a wonderful assist by Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

Brazil soon dominated the game. Atlético Madrid defender Miranda should have scored in the 54th minute from a Neymar cross, while Neymar himself hit the sidenetting in the 59th minute.

Japan never looked like they were coming back. Despite introducing AC Milan attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda at half-time, the Japanese team looked out of ideas and visibly tired.

In the 77th minute, Neymar completed his hat-trick by pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty box, after Japanese keeper Kawashima had saved from a Coutinho effort.

Neymar was not done yet though. In the 81st minute, he headed home a cross from former Real Madrid and AC Milan superstar Kaka.

The victory over Japan means that Brazil has won all their friendly games on this Asian tour. Last Saturday (Oct 11), they beat Argentina 2-0 in Beijing.