Neymar is closing in on Pele’s goalscoring record for Brazil after scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 win against Peru. The FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter in Lima – between the previous Copa America finalists – was the thrilling affair many had expected, but Brazil had Neymar to thank for his individual brilliance in rescuing a game in which the Selecao had been poor collectively.
With his first strike from the penalty spot in the 28th minute, Neymar equalled Ronaldo Nazario’s goal tally for Brazil, who had been second on the list. His further two goals late on took him above his illustrious predecessor, and now only Pele stands above the 28-year-old, just 13 goals away.
Neymar was instrumental in the five-time world champions seeing off a typically dogged Peru side, orchestrating much of his side’s play and only being stopped by some crude fouls. Under coach Tite’s new system, the Paris Saint-Germain forward was free of any fixed position, picking up the ball and destabilising the hosts’ defence with his usual mix of dribbling and close quarters link-up play.
And with the game in the balance at 2-2 entering the final ten minutes, his two goals in the 83rd and 94th minute – the former once again from the penalty spot – were crucial in securing the three points that kept them joint top of their qualifying group alongside Argentina, who also secured their second win in a row on Tuesday night after beating Bolivia.
As such, it became a night that Neymar will never forget – one in which he went past a mark held by one of his idols. No one expects Pele’s already extraordinary record of 77 goals to last long, with Neymar in this form and with the Copa America to come next summer. Injury aside, it only looks like a matter of time for this phenomenal footballer.