Neymar breaks Pele's Brazil goal-scoring record in 5-1 win in South American World Cup qualifying
The Hindu
Neymar eclipses Pelé as Brazil's top goal scorer, scoring 78 goals in 114 matches. He celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pelé usually did, and was congratulated by the Brazilian soccer confederation and Pelé's Foundation. Neymar said he was "very happy" and wanted to write his story in the national team. Coach Fernando Diniz said Neymar is a "great hero" and people must recognize and accept it.
Neymar eclipsed Pelé as the top goal scorer for Brazil’s national team after overtaking the three-time World Cup winner's career total on Friday.
The goal that put the 31-year-old Neymar on the top of Brazil’s scoring record with 78 came in the 61st minute in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia in the Amazon city of Belém.
It was Brazil’s fourth goal of the match in a 5-1 win, with the last goal of the game also being scored by Neymar — his 79th — during injury time.
Neymar's record-breaking goal came after a low cross into the penalty box, which the striker finished with accuracy from close range. He celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pelé usually did.
“I am very happy, no words for this,” Neymar said in brief comments to media after he was handed a plaque by the president of the Brazilian soccer confederation, Ednaldo Rodrigues. “I never thought I would reach this record.”
Earlier, the Al-Hilal striker missed a penalty in the 17th minute, which goalkeeper Billy Viscarra saved. Neymar's second goal in the match came in similar fashion near the final whistle, with another low cross by Raphinha.
Brazil’s soccer confederation considers Pelé as its top goal scorer with 95 goals in 114 matches. FIFA does not count goals that Pelé had at national team friendlies against clubs.
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