FIFA World Cup: Neymar equals legend Pele’s record of 77 Brazil goals
Neymar scored against Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, tying Pele’s record of 77 goals for Brazil.In extra time, the striker scored a close-range goal to give Brazil the lead and tie Pele’s record of goals scored between 1957 and 1971.
After the first overtime period, Neymar’s goal gave Brazil a 1-0 lead by beating Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and scoring from a tight angle.
Even if he wasn’t at his best against Croatia, Neymar maintained composure at a crucial time to give his team the advantage.
The only player in history to win three World Cups is Pele, who was recently admitted to the hospital while undergoing ongoing treatment for colon cancer.
The 82-year-old, who won championships with the Selecao in 1958, 1962, and 1970, said earlier this week that he was watching his nation play in Qatar from a hospital.
Since Brazil, the record five-time winners, last won the trophy in 2002, eight years before Neymar made his international debut, he is still searching for his first.
The 30-year-old forward for Paris Saint-Germain has achieved legendary status with his nation but has yet to be successful on the biggest stage.
