From the editorial staff
La Jornada Newspaper
Saturday, September 9, 2023, p. a10
Neymar Jr smiles like a new emblem of the Brazil team. The striker made a mistake at first, but later scored a double to surpass Pelé and become his country’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals. Thus, on a memorable night, the Yellow green They began their path to the 2026 World Cup with a 5-1 victory over Bolivia.
The victory also allowed Fernando Diniz’s team to take the lead in the Conmebol qualifying round, surpassing Uruguay and champion Argentina on goal difference.
The match at the Mangueirão stadium was one of contrasts for Neymar. The striker came into the game with 77 goals, equal in goals with King. The hunger to surpass one of the greatest stars in the history of world football led the player to fall into nervousness.
Neymar took a penalty in the 17th minute that was easy to save for Guillermo Viscarra, Bolivia’s goalkeeper. However, error would not stop him.
While Ney regained his rhythm, his teammate Rodrygo (24 and 53) gave the advantage to the Canarinha with a double by shaking the nets with point-blank shots. Raphinha (47) also contributed another goal by launching a cross shot in a play that was validated by the VAR.
With victory in hand, it seemed that Brazil would slow down, but Neymar would not give up. Thus, he rescued a ball inside the area and with a fine touch sent the ball to the goal in the 61st minute to celebrate his 78th goal with Brazil and surpass Pelé’s record.
Not satisfied, he scored the fifth goal of the Yellow green when receiving a pass to push the ball from the heart of the area. With that he signed a historic double.
For Bolivia, only Víctor Abrego scored 78 points. However, the squad led by Gustavo Costas will have to recover as soon as possible, since their next rival is Argentina.
Hours before, Marcelo Bielsa’s debut in official matches in charge of Uruguay was perfect. La Celeste showed a new rhythm on the field to beat Chile 3-1 at the Centenario stadium and get off to a good start on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
With two goals from Nicolás de la Cruz and one from Federico Valverde, the Uruguayans were consistent in all their lines by making clear their adaptation to Bielsa’s style.
Chile, on the other hand, could not achieve the long-awaited victory. Now, coach Eduardo Berizzo will have many pending adjustments for the duel against Colombia.
With information from AFP
2023-09-09 08:55:17
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