Brazil came from behind to open their Copa America campaign with a win, courtesy of a last-gasp strike from Douglas Costa.
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Peru took a shock lead at the Estadio Municipal Bicentenario German Becker when Christian Cueva found the back of the net after just three minutes, before Barcelona star Neymar restored parity just two minutes later.
From there it was a tale of frustration for Brazil, who had to wait until deep into second-half stoppage time for Douglas Costa to secure the 2-1 win. But Barcelona star Neymar was just happy to come away with the three points.
“This debut was difficult because of the game, the continental rivalry, and everything,” he said. “But we got the win, which was our goal.”
The 23-year-old is the fifth-highest scorer in Brazil history with 44 goals, yet also missed a fine chance during the game.
#Neymar sube posiciones en la tabla de goleadores de #Brasil. ¿A cuánto está de @Pele http://t.co/hYIHVZ3F4L pic.twitter.com/vyRJAOa6mN
— Copa América 2015 (@CA2015) June 15, 2015
“I want to continue reaching records with goals, passes, whatever it may be,” he added. “It worked, and I almost scored my second goal. I messed up but the next will come.”
With Group C rivals Colombia slipping to a shock 1-0 defeat to Venezuela earlier in the day, Dunga’s side were looking to take advantage but got off to the worst possible start when Cueva was opportunist enough to make the most of Brazil keeper Jefferson’s failed attempt to clear a poor back pass from David Luiz and tap home.
It was a combination forged in Barcelona that brought the Brazilians back on level terms in quickfire fashion, with an unmarked Neymar getting on the end of Dani Alves’ cross for the equaliser.
Neymar then turned provider to secure all three points for his side as he drew four defenders before his pass put Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Costa one-on-one against Peru custodian Pedro Gallese and he made no mistake.
Meanwhile, Brazilian football is in mourning following the death of two-time World Cup winner Zito.
The midfielder, who was capped 52 times and was at the heart of the Selecao’s triumphs in 1958 and 1962, has died at the age of 82.
Zito was also a director at Santos and was credited with signing Neymar in 2003, when he was just 11.
Neymar tweeted an image of the two of them together, along with the message: “I have no words to describe this guy. I simply thank him for everything he’s done for me #RIPZito.”
