“Neymar will become the top goalscorer in Brazil’s history, surpassing Pelé. It wouldn’t hurt if Neymar leapfrogged me on the list. I left my mark on history, and now it’s his turn.”
– Romário
The South American World Cup Qualifiers are a spectacle
unlike any other in football. They are an intoxicating blend of artistry,
unpredictability, and raw intensity. The atmosphere is often suffocating, the
opponents as diverse as the continent itself, each presenting unique
challenges. It is football in its most visceral form—a cocktail of grit and
flair, where the beautiful game is both celebrated and contested with
unrelenting passion.
Brazil, the perennial masters of this craft, began their
campaign in São Paulo with a commanding win against Bolivia. But as they
stepped into the lion’s den of Lima, they faced a different beast altogether.
Peru, with their characteristic grit and tactical discipline, forced the
Seleção to dig deep into their reserves of skill, composure, and
determination.
A Battle in Lima
Peru’s recent history against Brazil has been one of
near-misses and valiant efforts. Their loss in the 2019 Copa América final at
the Maracanã still lingers in memory, as does their 1-0 friendly win in Lima
later that year. Under Ricardo Gareca, Peru has emerged as a team that, while
lacking the star power of their Brazilian counterparts, compensates with sheer tenacity
and tactical acumen.
Even with COVID-19 setbacks sidelining key players like Raúl
Ruidíaz and Alex Valera, Peru entered this match determined to unsettle Brazil.
And they did just that, opening the scoring in the sixth minute. André
Carrillo’s sublime volley punished a wayward clearance from Marquinhos,
silencing the Brazilian contingent and igniting hopes of an upset.
But Brazil had Neymar.
Neymar: The Evolution
of a Leader
The Neymar of today is a far cry from the exuberant yet
erratic prodigy who burst onto the scene at Santos. He has matured into a
player who not only dazzles with his skills but also leads with purpose. The
transformation has been gradual, shaped by highs and lows at Barcelona and
Paris Saint-Germain. At PSG, Neymar found the freedom to express himself, and
in doing so, he has grown into a player who carries the weight of expectations
with grace.
Against Peru, Neymar’s evolution was on full display. He was
the creative fulcrum, the orchestrator, and the finisher. His ability to adapt
to the flow of the game—dropping deep to link play, cutting inside to exploit
space, or staying central to lead the attack—was a testament to his footballing
intelligence.
The Ney-trick
Neymar’s first goal came in the 28th minute from the penalty
spot, drawing Brazil level after Roberto Firmino had been denied earlier by a
brilliant save from Pedro Gallese. With that goal, Neymar equalled Ronaldo’s
tally of 62 international goals, a milestone that seemed inevitable yet
remarkable.
Peru, undeterred, reclaimed the lead in the second half
through a deflected Tapia volley. But Brazil, driven by Neymar’s relentless
creativity, struck back quickly. Richarlison bundled in a scrappy equalizer
following a Firmino header, setting the stage for Neymar’s grand finale.
As the match wore on, Peru’s physical approach began to
unravel. A clumsy foul on Everton Soares in the box handed Neymar his second
penalty, which he calmly converted to give Brazil the lead in the 83rd minute.
With Peru reduced to ten men after Zambrano’s red card, Neymar completed his
hat-trick in stoppage time, pouncing on a rebound after Everton hit the
post.
The celebration was a poignant tribute: Neymar mimicked
Ronaldo’s iconic finger-wagging gesture, acknowledging the legend whose record
he had just surpassed.
A Legacy in the
Making
Neymar’s hat-trick in Lima was more than a personal triumph;
it was a statement of his enduring brilliance and leadership. His performance
painted the Peruvian capital yellow, a reminder of Brazil’s supremacy in South
American football.
Zinedine Zidane once remarked, “Some people like his style,
others don’t... but the way he plays certainly brings a lot of spectacles.”
Diego Forlán, too, predicted Neymar’s rise, saying, “He’s going to get better,
and I suspect he’ll be the best in the world in a few years.”
Both statements ring true. Neymar has evolved into a player
who transcends criticism, a maestro whose artistry on the pitch is matched by
his ability to inspire those around him.
Brazil’s Road
Ahead
The victory in Lima was not just about Neymar’s heroics. It
was a testament to Brazil’s resilience and adaptability under Tite. While the
team showed vulnerabilities, particularly in defence, their ability to respond
to adversity with creativity and aggression underscores their potential to
dominate the qualifiers.
For Neymar, the journey is far from over. With Pelé’s record
within reach, the boy from Santos is poised to etch his name even deeper into
footballing history. As Romário aptly put it, “I left my mark on history, and
now it’s his turn.”
And Neymar is making the most of it, one magical performance at a time.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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