Neymar strikes from penalty spot to see off Japan

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Sports

Hangzhou Asian Games

Mon, December 4, 2023 | 19:01

Football

Neymar strikes from penalty spot to see off Japan

Posted : 2022-06-06 21:30

Updated : 2022-06-06 21:30

Neymar of Brazil, left, reacts with his teammate Richarlison of Brazil after scored during the friendly match at the National Stadium in Tokyo Monday. AP-Yonhap

Neymar's penalty 13 minutes from time earned Brazil a 1-0 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Japan at Tokyo's National Stadium on Monday as the Paris St Germain striker moved to within three goals of Pele's all-time national scoring record.

The forward coolly slotted the ball past Shuichi Gonda to hit his 74th goal in 119 internationals after being frustrated on several occasions by the Japanese goalkeeper in front of a rain-soaked crowd of 63,638 fans.

Brazil's win came off the back of their 5-1 thrashing of Korea on Thursday as Tite's side prepare for their assault on the World Cup in Qatar in November.

The visitors threatened early, with Lucas Paqueta hitting the post inside the first two minutes when he latched on to Neymar's instinctive backheel pass inside the area.

Fred fired over from distance soon after and Raphina forced Shuichi Gonda to save with his feet before Neymar's firmly-struck, curling effort from outside the area was palmed to safety by the goalkeeper after flying through a crowd of players.

Gonda was on hand again to keep out the visitors three minutes before the end of the half, with Pacqueta slipping the ball through to Neymar, but the Paris St Germain man was denied.

Neymar continued to probe, seeing a shot blocked by Endo's head eight minutes after the restart, while Ko Itakura made a perfectly timed intervention to put himself between the Brazilian striker's volley and the Japan goal.

The pressure eventually told, however, with Neymar at the heart of the action once more.

The 30-year-old's initial effort was well saved by Gonda but as substitute Richarlison attempted to collect possession he was brought down by Endo and referee Alireza Faghani pointed to the spot.

Neymar sent Gonda the wrong way to score for the ninth time in five appearances against the Japanese and move closer to eclipsing Pele's long-standing mark. (Reuters)

Top 10 Stories

1	INTERVIEWEcolab helps Korean partners profit from ESG management

2	Seoul Metro begins real-time translation service for foreign tourists at Myeong-dong Station

3	Son-dol: a cold day for a ferryman and a merchant

4	Korean economy to start shrinking by 2050 if low birthrate unaddressed: BOK report

5	Space race heats up between two Koreas after Seoul launches spy satellite

6	ANALYSISHas N. Korean leader's daughter been confirmed as heir apparent?

7	INTERVIEW'Lifeline for migrant workers in Korea' - Rev. Kim fights for foreign employees' rights

8	Uncertainty lingers over Ven. Jaseung's death

9	Korean battery firms face higher costs for access to US subsidies

10	INTERVIEWKorea to work with US, Japan to fight climate change

Top 5 Entertainment News

1	JYP to host annual audition in January

2	Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra dazzles audience at Korea International Festival

3	Popular talk show 'Strong Heart' returns with new format

4	How Lee Ung-no pioneered East-West fusion through brushstrokes

5	REVIEWPreview gala sets stage for grand premiere of 'La Rose de Versailles' musical

DARKROOM