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October 11, 2019

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Neymar youngest to earn 100 Brazil caps

Source: Agencies | 00:05 UTC+8 October 11, 2019 | Print Edition

Neymar became the youngest player to make 100 appearances for Brazil yesterday but the Paris Saint-Germain forward had to settle for a 1-1 draw as he failed to score in a friendly with Senegal in Singapore.

Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for the Copa America champion with a stunning lob after a Phillipe Coutinho lay-off in the eighth minute.

As the half progressed, the livelier Senegal became, driven on by its captain Cheikhou Kouyate.

Famara Diedhiou levelled from the penalty spot just before half-time after Firmino’s Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane was dragged down in the area.

Neymar, who was not in the side that won the Copa America in June, had a relatively quiet game but went close with a 67th-minute free-kick.

He then teed up Richarlison whose shot from the edge of the box flashed wide.

Ismaila Sarr and Mane both had chances to snatch the game for the Lions of Teranga.

Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, it was still a big day for the 27-year-old, who became one of seven Brazilians to reach 100 caps.

He has scored 61 goals for the Selecao, making him the third highest scorer in the history of his national team.

Neymar is one behind Ronaldo but needs 16 to catch Pele, who only played 92 matches. He has also provided 41 assists.

Neymar won an Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 but has experienced many disappointments for his national team, particularly at the World Cup.

In 2014, in Brazil, a back injury in the quarterfinals against Colombia prevented him from being on the field for the 1-7 semifinal thrashing from Germany.

He scored twice during the tournament in Russia four years later, but Brazil was dumped out at the quarterfinal stage by Belgium.

The draw stretched Brazil’s winless streak to three games, the longest since coach Tite took over in 2016.

The stalemate follows last month’s 2-2 draw with Colombia and 0-1 loss to Peru.

Brazil’s next match is a friendly with Nigeria, also in Singapore, on Sunday.

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