Neymar returned to the pitch for the first time since June in a friendly against Colombia on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. He had a goal, an assist, nearly died and even saved Dani Alves’ life.
It was just another day in the life of Neymar.
Neymar scored the final goal in a 2-2 draw with Colombia in his first appearance since he was hurt in a friendly against Qatar. The right-foot injury kept him out of this summer’s Copa America, but the Seleção won anyway, knocking out rival Argentina and Lionel Messi in the process.
Back with the national team after missing out on PSG’s start to the season (he was hurt/possibly on his way out), Neymar started and played the full 90.
Before the match, the No. 10 saved the life of pal Dani Alves as the two were stretching. Alves was being harassed by a scary looking bug until Neymar came to the rescue.
Talented and brave, that Neymar.
The match itself started well enough for Brazil, with Neymar assisting Casemiro to open the scoring inside 20 minutes on a corner kick.
Casemiro's goal for Brazil with a bullet header from Neymar's corner kick. #BRAxCOL pic.twitter.com/5cNYoTeRJW
— Roro O'Monstro.™ (@Roromeo_MUFC10) September 7, 2019
New Atalanta striker Luis Muriel, who became the first Colombian to score two goals in a match against Brazil, equalized from the penalty spot and put Los Cafeteros in front in the 34th minute with a smashing effort.
But Neymar played hero again, this time for real, when he scored the equalizer in the 58th minute. Dani Alves, thankful to Neymar to still be alive, assisted the goal after Philippe Coutinho eliminated the entire Colombian defense with one pass.
Neymar probably should’ve been given a chance to win the match from the spot. With about 15 minutes to play, the Brazilian was brutally shoved to the ground in the box by Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez, who didn’t get close to making contact with the ball. VAR wasn’t in use and the referee whistled for a goal kick.
To add injury to insult, Neymar was sent careening into the sideline, smashing head-first into the advertising board.
Davinson Sánchez empotra a Neymar contra la valla de publicidad. pic.twitter.com/ystdkPLpUu
— Zona_Blaugrana (@ZB_Media_01) September 7, 2019
Ouch. Can’t say Neymar took a dive on that one.
Fortunately, Neymar shook off the tackle and finished out the match.
Brazil plays Peru on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and we’ll be sure to keep an eye on what No. 10 is gets up to.
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