Two-Goal Neymar Jr Closes On Pele Record As Brazil Thrash South Korea 5-1
NDTV
Neymar scored two penalties to close on Pele's goal record for Brazil as they fired a World Cup warning with a 5-1 thrashing of South Korea on Thursday
Neymar scored two penalties to close on Pele's goal record for Brazil as they fired a World Cup warning with a 5-1 thrashing of South Korea on Thursday. The Paris Saint-Germain forward netted his 72nd and 73rd goals for his country to come within striking distance of the legendary Pele's 77 for Brazil. Neymar upstaged South Korean captain Son Heung-min, the joint Premier League Golden Boot winner who was kept quiet by a rampant Brazil in front of 65,000 fans at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Neymar had been a doubt for the match after he suffered a right foot injury during training on Wednesday, but he was the star of the show on a night when Richarlison, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus all scored.
Brazil coach Tite said that there is fierce competition for places with the Qatar World Cup a little over five months away.
"It was difficult to put together the starting XI. Everyone here wants to make the World Cup squad and has been playing well," said Tite, who started Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro just days after he won the Champions League.
"Even after talks with my staff, it was not easy to choose the starting line-up.
HS Prannoy was defeated by France's Toma Junior Popov in the men's singles opening round.
Wasim Akram admitted being stunned on failing to spot a single PCB official at the ICC Champions Trophy presentation ceremony.
BCCI president Roger Binny presented the white jackets to India players and the medals to match officials, while ICC chairman Jay Shah handed the trophy to skipper Rohit Sharma and gave the medals to the winners.
India captain Rohit Sharma will be 38 in two months' time and with India's next major ODI tournament being the 2027 ODI World Cup, it remains to be seen how long he plays at the top level
The PCB is expected to take up the matter with the ICC as to why its CEO was not invited on stage for the closing ceremony.
Controversy Over Champions Trophy 2025 Final Presentation Ceremony. Pakistan Great Asks, "Why No..."
As India won the title after beating New Zealand by four wickets in the final, the podium was shared by ICC chairman Jay Shah, BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) director Roger Twose.
A tragic incident occurred ahead of the Barcelona-Osasuna clash, causing it to be postponed to a later date.
The four-time Grand Slam winner from Spain is vying to join Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the only players to win three straight Indian Wells ATP Masters titles.
India vs New Zealand LIVE Score Updates, Champions Trophy Final: India are aiming to beat New Zealand in the final of an ICC event for the very first time.
Team India could make a surprise change in the team for the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.
Speculation is rife on the ODI future of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the Champions Trophy.
The pitch for the India vs New Zealand final in the ICC Champions Trophy has been selected.
Legendary striker Sunil Chhetri will make a surprising return to the national team, confirmed the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday.