Neymar surpasses Pele as top scorer in history of Brazil's men's team
SAO PAULO (AP) — Neymar became the top goal scorer for Brazil's men's national team after surpassing the total of three-time World Cup winner Pele on Friday.
The goal that put the 31-year-old Neymar on the top of Brazil's scoring mark with 78 came in the 61st minute in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia in the Amazon city of Belem. It was Brazil's fourth goal of the match in a 5-1 win.
Neymar's record-breaking goal came after a low cross into the penalty box, which the striker finished with accuracy from close range. He celebrated with a punch in the air, as Pele usually did.
Neymar added another tally late on to extend his new record. He now has 79 goals in 124 international appearances for Brazil.
Earlier, the Al-Hilal striker missed a penalty in the 17th minute, which goalkeeper Billy Viscarra saved.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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