Neymar stars for Brazil

Neymar
12 April 2012

A Neymar double gave Brazil a well-deserved 2-0 win over Scotland in their international friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

The talented 19-year-old Santos striker gave the South Americans the lead just before the break when he drove past Allan McGregor from inside the box after taking a pass from Andre Santos.

Brazil cruised through the second half and in the 76th minute Neymar was fouled by Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam inside the box and the teenage star picked himself up to score from the spot.

Scotland had an early opportunity when Kenny Miller, captain for the day, was fouled by Brazil defender Lucio 30 yards from goal but Adam's free-kick cannoned off the defensive wall.

However, Brazil slowly warmed to the task, showing little glimpses of their trademark fluidity going forward and in the 15th minute Chelsea midfielder Ramires rose high at the back post but could only head over from Elano's cross.

As the famous yellow shirts turned the screw, Jadson's low drive was parried by McGregor before the Scots defence scrambled the ball to safety and then Leandro Damiao skimmed the bar with a header from Elano's corner.

Scotland came close for the first time in the 35th minute when a wonderful whipped in free-kick by Adam was met by Steven Whittaker whose header sped past the far post.

However, Brazil's expected goal arrived four minutes from the break when Neymar took a pass from Andre Santos inside the Scotland box and ignored the attention of Gary Caldwell to almost casually fire past McGregor and in to the far corner.

In the 52nd minute Scotland were cut open again but Ramires blasted over from inside the box after taking a pass from overlapping full-back Dani Alves.

And in the 76th minute a clumsy challenge by Adam on Neymar saw referee Howard Webb point to the spot and the striker sent McGregor the wrong way with the well-taken penalty.

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