Football: Neymar scores in friendly

SAN JOSE: Neymar Junior rescued 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil in a tougher-than-expected friendly with Costa Rica by scoring the only goal against the run of play in a 1-0 win.

The 19-year-old forward scored his eighth goal in 14 matches for Brazil from close range, converting substitute Daniel Alves’s cross in the 60th minute. Neymar also hit the crossbar with a shot from outside the box in 72nd minute, just before being substituted.

“It was a very difficult game,” said Neymar. “Costa Rica are no fools but our national team knew how to handle the pressure and were able to win.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2011.