Neymar stars against Panama

Brazil star Neymar scored a beautifully weighted freekick that paved the way to a dominant 4-0 win by Selecao against Panama in a pre-World Cup friendly.

The 22 year old was at his majestic and skilful best on home soil, placing the ball into the top corner, out of the reach of Panama goalkeeper Oscar McFarlane.

Five minutes before half time, Neymar’s Barcelona teammate Dani Alves put clear daylight between the two sides and effectively ended the contest.

After storming in from the right, Alves hit an instinctive drive from outside the area, sending the ball whistling past two Panama defenders and the wrong footing the opposition goalkeeper before rippling the net.

Almost instantly after resuming for the second half, it was 3-0 to Brazil.

A long pass up field by David Luiz found Brazil’s darling Neymar, who immediately brought the ball under his spell then back heeled for the on running Hulk to hit powerfully with the outside of his left foot, to leave the ball nestled sweetly in the bottom right corner of the Panama goal.

Hulks ninth international goal for the Samba Boys, all have come in friendlies, something the Zenit St. Petersberg striker will look to remedy when the World Cup finals begin.

Brazil and Panama have met only twice before, in 1952 the green and yellow won 5-0, 50 years later, Brazil won by the same scoreline. Wouldn’t bet against the current crop mirroring the history books as things stood.

Neymar looked at his mercurial best through the middle, Oscar on the right, Hulk on the left and Fred furthest forward in a four pillared interchanging attack of fluidity and guil.

Substitute Willian made it 4-0 after good work from Maxwell down the left, the Chelsea midfielder latched onto a Neymar pass, to convert from close range on 73 minutes.

With the tie dead Brazil continued to carve out numerous chances after long spells in possession, despite looking to be winding down after a proficient nights work.

Although against far lesser opposition, Neymar was the stand out performer, playing a pivotal role as 2nd striker.

Brazil will face sterner tests at the World Cup, but on home soil, Neymar will have a lot to do with the good things the Samba Boys produce throughout the tournament.

As he did 12 months removed, which lead to a Confederations Cup triumph.

From the outset head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s decision to play Panama in the World Cup hosts penultimate prepatory game was down to the similar playing style shared with group A opponents Mexico. Panama also played Mexico in the qualifying stages for the finals.

Scolari fielded a close to full strength side that may line up next Thursday for the inaugural curtain raiser, when they take on Croatia in Sao Paolo.

The only absentees that are expected to come back into the side were Paulinho, Thiago Silva and Fernandinho, who were all rested.

New PSG signing and captain for the evening David Luiz was assured in defence, Panama never really looked a threat in the final third however.

Brazil now face Serbia on Friday evening in there final warm up for the World Cup finals.