Brazil striker Neymar hailed by media after big win against Japan
Rio de Janeiro, Oct 15 (IANS) Brazilian media lavished praise on Neymar after the 'Selecao' captain scored all goals in a 4-0 rout of Japan, thereby becoming Brazil's fifth top scorer in an international friendly at Singapore. The 22-year-old has now netted 40 goals in 58 appearances for Brazil since his international debut against the US in August 2010, reports Xinhua. Newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reminded readers that the last player to score four goals in a match for the Selecao was legendary striker Romario against Venezuela in 2000.
The newspaper added that Neymar's performance Tuesday at the Stadium of Singapore catapulted him to fifth on Brazil's top scorers' list.
"The forward has passed Bebeto (39) and is now only behind Pele (77), Ronaldo (62), Romario (55) and Zico (48)," the daily said.
Estado de S.Paulo said coach Dunga, who left a teenage Neymar out of his 2010 World Cup squad during his first spell in charge, has now "surrendered" to Brazil's No.10.
"Dunga doesn't like to comment on the individual performances of players but he made an exception after Neymar's exhibition against Japan," the newspaper noted.
The daily quoted Dunga as saying, "He plays like he would against his friends. He is never satisfied. His creativity means that he does something different every game."
News portal Terra predicted the Barcelona star would easily surpass Pele's record.
"He has plenty of time to become Brazil's most prolific scorer even though he says he is not thinking about it," the news portal said.
Daily O Globo focused on Dunga's ability to turn around the Selecao's fortunes after a humiliating 1-7 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany in July.
"Since then Brazil has played four matches without conceding a goal," the newspaper proclaimed, adding that sterner tests await the team.
"The Brazilian team must take into account the weakness of the rival. Japan were loose in defence and were not creative with the ball," said O Globo.