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Neymar scores 77th goal for Brazil to tie Pele's record

Justin Setterfield / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Neymar made history on a day to forget.

The 30-year-old tied Pele's record of 77 goals for Brazil's men's national team on Friday, breaking Croatia's resistance in extra time to give the Selecao a 1-0 lead in the World Cup quarterfinals.

But the high quickly wore off. Croatia equalized in the 117th minute before eliminating Brazil on penalty kicks.

Neymar fired into the roof of the net after rounding Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic at the end of a spectacular passing sequence the Brazilian started outside the penalty area. Livakovic made nine saves in regular time and a further two in extra time to force a shootout.

Neymar never took a spot-kick in the eventual 4-2 defeat on penalties.

It's unclear if Neymar will play for Brazil again. He said before the tournament that this World Cup may be his last.

Though he's now tied with Pele on total goals scored for Brazil, few will regard Neymar in the same light. Pele achieved the feat in 32 fewer games and won three World Cups during a career spanning two globe-trotting decades.

Rank Player Goals Appearances
T1 Pele 77 92
T1 Neymar 77 124
3 Ronaldo 62 98
4 Romario 56 70
5 Zico 48 71

Brazil's football federation contends Pele has 95 goals instead of 77. The legendary player scored an additional 18 goals in unofficial matches against club sides. FIFA only recognizes games between national teams.

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