United States 0 Brazil 2: Neymar enjoys winning start as captain

By Daily Sports on September 8, 2018

Neymar wore the captain's armband and scored as Brazil overcame a spirited challenge from the United States, the post-World Cup era opening with a 2-0 victory.

Tite handed the permanent captaincy to Neymar after scrapping his rotation policy and the Paris Saint-Germain superstar enjoyed a winning start as skipper in New Jersey, where Brazil prevailed thanks to a two-goal first half on Friday.

Roberto Firmino took his international tally to eight goals with a fine volley in the 11th minute before Neymar doubled the lead from the spot two minutes prior to half-time after Brazil were awarded a contentious penalty – Fabinho going to ground under minimal contact.

USA were not without chances, with Weston McKennie in the thick of the action, but the hosts were unable to execute in front of a vocal crowd at MetLife Stadium, where the likes of Barcelona midfielder Arthur and Everton forward Richarlison made their Brazil debuts.

Friday's fixture was the start of an evolution, not a revolution for Brazil following their shock quarter-final exit at the World Cup, with only Neymar, Alisson, Philippe Coutinho and Thiago Silva remaining from the starting XI that faced Belgium.

Dave Sarachan, whose USA held eventual world champions France to a draw in June, continued to keep faith with his young team, while PSG sensation Timothy Weah started on the bench.

Brazil dazzled early in New Jersey, where the Selecao controlled the tempo and broke the deadlock within 11 minutes thanks to Firmino.

Costa was at the heart of the move, the Juventus star's stunning burst of pace leaving his opponent in his wake before picking out Firmino, who volleyed home the opener with the outside of his boot from inside the six-yard box.

USA struggled to keep possession against the composed Brazilians but the hosts started to knock on the door and almost equalised 10 minutes before half-time but Alisson managed to deny McKennie's close-range effort.

Sarachan's men were dealt a huge blow with the interval approaching after the referee awarded Brazil a controversial penalty, much to the shock of the players and fans.

Liverpool recruit Fabinho went to ground under minimal contact and Neymar – unfazed by the protests – casually converted from the spot.

Fred nearly helped put Brazil 3-0 ahead two minutes into the second half but his pass to Firmino was cut out by USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen, while Neymar's shot was cleared off the line four minutes later.

McKennie, who almost pulled a goal back late in the first half, saw further opportunities spurned as Brazil beat USA for the 18th time in 19 meetings. (Goal.com)

Photo shows Neymar

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 8, 2018


 

You may also like...
Falconets lose to Mexico in W’Cup preparatory game...

Dombraye thumbs-up NPFL Championship Play-offs …hails GTI, IMC...

Conte: Chelsea will need a 'perfect game' to...

Aguero Keen To Hear From Chelsea

Bayelsa Govt Assures Athletes Of Support •Set To...

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant goes out in style...

 

Latest News With adequate training, Falcons will reclaim WAFCON title – Monday Nigerian athletes jostle for NCAA Division One indoor titles Anambra school sports gets date, N15m prize award Drug Use and Abuse: A Serious Issue Affecting Communities - Gumel Teams Recorded Victories As JOF Kids Cup Hots Up In Lagos Enabulele hails Insurance win over Remo Stars Lawal’s brother demands justice after player’s tragic death in Uganda Gbadamosi to compete in first-ever Boxing World Cup Falcons retain Africa’s top spot, 36th in global rankings 16 schools for second Athletics School Games Nigerians demand apology from Carragher for controversial AFCON statement National lightweight title win thrills Adebayo

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,353 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,498 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,523 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (44,159 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (44,127 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (44,117 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,929 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,476 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,563 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,222 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,657 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (39,085 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media