Brazilians Giving ‘Blue Samurais’ The Blues

rts October 19, 2014  Kripa Krishn

Taking the spotlight yet again, Neymar dumbfounded the 51577 people who came to watch this action-packed game by netting in all 4 goals taking his tally to 40 goals in 58 Internationals. The game also saw the likes of current Premier League starlets Coutinho, Oscar, Willian, and Luis as well as honorary legends Kaka and Robinho from the Brazilian side preform. Former Manchester United Midfielder Kagawa and Milan star Honda from Japan also played in this thrilling game. Despite pitch issues, the players still managed to engage the crowd, and fill the stadium with unbridled enthusiasm and euphoria. The final score was 4-0 to the Brazilians at the National Stadium of Singapore.

Neymar scored his first goal at the 18th minute by rounding past keeper Kawashima and slotting home, a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal.Diego Tardelli had spotted his run and assisted him with a clear-cut through ball slicing the Japanese defence.

The next goal was two minutes after half-time and was a neat, sublime finish to the bottom right corner following a fast break in which young starlet Philippe Coutinho beautifully created space and flicked a well-paced through ball from the outside of his foot that curled in par with Neymar’s movement right to his feet.

A player full of class, composure, and skill, a player who is embedded in the hearts of several football fans, a player by the name Kaka incited massive uproars from the audience when h e came on. Everyone was full of gratitude, appreciation, and awe.

Kaka’s presence definitely became conspicuous as he went in for a header only to have it hit the crossbar. However, the ball still remained in play and landed into the feet of the youngster maestro Coutinho who took a shot at goal, which the keeper palmed away, unfortunately to his dismay, right into the path of Neymar. As easy as it sounds, Neymar tapped in his third goal at the 77th minute thus sealing his hat trick.

KAKA once again demonstrated his world-class abilities by creating an interplay with another legend, Robinho, in such an intricate space followed by a perfectly timed and paced delivery into the box of which Neymar took to his advantage to head home his fourth goal at the 81st minute.

Needless to say, captain Neymar showed sheer brilliance. Not only because of his goal tally but also because of the chances he created and missed in additional to the four goals he had scored.

• Just after 17th minute, he won a free kick in an attempt to run around Morishige only to be fouled. The 20-yard effort resulted in hitting the woodwork.

• Neymar also created a chance for an un-marked Mirana in the box 54 minutes into the game with a dangerous cross in.

• Just 5 minutes later, following a wrathful counter-attack by the Brazilians, Neymar managed to get the ball in the box only to see his shot smash the side-netting.

However, it is worthwhile to mention that whilst Neymar does deserve the limelight, a lot of credit should go to other players who have set up the platform for Neymar to practice his magic.

Although Japan had conceded 4 goals, they did show resilience, and class with Kobayashi causing problems early on.

• 24 minutes into the game, a Japanese attack from the left hand side allowed Kobayashi to unleash a left-foot half-volley 18 yards away from goal only to see it fly past the goal.
• 3 minutes later, Kubayashi was fouled by Luis Gustavo giving Japan the opportunity to score from a set piece.

They showed sparks of great potential but failed to get the final ball into the box, or rather into the net. All in all, it was a great game to watch!