Neymar has surpassed Pele as the leading goal scorer for Brazil’s national team, surpassing the three-time World Cup winner’s career total of 77 goals against national teams with a goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
In the 61st minute, Neymar scored Brazil’s fourth goal of the match in a 5-1 victory in the Amazon city of Belem. He also scored the last goal of the game, his 79th, during injury time.
The 31-year-old’s record-breaking goal came from a low cross into the penalty box, which he finished accurately from close range. He celebrated with a punch in the air, emulating Pele’s signature move.
After receiving a plaque from the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, Neymar expressed his joy, saying, “I am very happy, I have no words for this. I never thought I would achieve this record.”
Earlier in the match, Neymar, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, missed a penalty in the 17th minute, which was saved by goalkeeper Billy Viscarra.
Neymar’s second goal in the match came in a similar fashion near the end of the game, with another low cross by Raphinha.
Post from www.aljazeera.com