Hat-trick hero Neymar goes past Ronaldo

LIMA, October 14

A hat-trick from Neymar helped Brazil to a 4-2 victory over Peru in a 2022 World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday and moved the Paris St Germain forward second behind Pele on his country’s all-time goal-scoring list.

Peru’s Andre Carrillo put the home side ahead after six minutes with a crisp volley from outside the box but Neymar equalised from the spot in 28 minutes after he had been fouled. Peru went ahead again after 59 minutes when Renato Tapia’s 25-metre shot hit Rodrigo Caio before rolling into the net, only for Richarlison to equalise five minutes later. Neymar put Brazil ahead with another penalty with seven minutes left and, after Peru’s Carlos Zambrano was sent off, scored his 64th international goal when he stabbed home in injury time to make it 4-2.

Only Pele, with 77 goals, has scored more for Brazil than Neymar. Ronaldo is third with 62 goals.

Argentina beat Bolivia

In La Paz, a late goal from Joaquin Correa helped Argentina come from behind to beat Bolivia 2-1 and maintain their 100% record in the qualifiers.

In Merida, Paraguay took the points with a 1-0 win over Venezuela, Gaston Gimenez scoring for the visitors with five minutes left. — Reuters