Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Singapore: Defending AFC Asian Cup champions Japan received a setback to their title defence preparations on Tuesday when they were beaten 4-0 by a Neymar-inspired Brazil.
With the likes of Keisuke Honda and Yuto Nagatomo starting from the bench, Shinji Kagawa out with concussion and seven J-League players starting, Japan coach Javier Aguirre sent out an experimental squad as Brazil striker Neymar grabbed all four goals on a memorable night in Singapore.
The 22-year-old broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when he rounded Eiji Kawashima and slotted the ball into the empty net after Diego Tardelli had put him through on goal.
Shortly after the break, Philippe Coutinho slipped the ball through the Japanese back four and Neymar beat an advancing Kawashima to double Brazil’s advantage.
Japan then had their best chance of the match, but in-form attacker Shinji Okazaki could only blast the ball onto the post from a tight angle.
Neymar duly completed his hat-trick on 77 minutes when Kaka’s shot was palmed into his path and he slid the ball home.
The talented forward then bagged his fourth, heading home a Kaka cross to also register his 40th goal for his country.
Japan will look to get back on track with matches against Honduras AFC Asian Cup hosts Australia in November.
Photo:AFP