Brazil survived an early scare and some
physical tackling to beat Portugal 3-1 in a
friendly in Boston that confirmed their early
status as one of the favourites to win the
World Cup on home soil next year.
The five-time world champions were inspired
by Neymar, who had a hand in all three goals
after Brazil had gone behind to an opportunist
strike from Raul Meireles.
The young Barcelona striker was singled out by
Portuguese defenders for some rough
treatment early on but his passes led to goals
for Thiago Silva, who headed home his corner
kick, and Jo, who bundled the ball home from
close range after Maxwell had pushed a
Neymar pass across the front of goal.
Between those two scores, the former Santos
player scored a brilliant individual goal that
started when he ran at defenders from 40
yards out and culminated with an unstoppable
shot from inside the penalty box.
"The important thing is not to react to the
provocations and the professional fouls," he
said when asked about the elbows and kicks
repeatedly aimed at him.
The game was the biggest test for Brazil since
they demolished world champions Spain to win
the Confederations Cup in July.
They made just one change from the side that
beat Australia 6-0 last weekend with Maxwell
replacing Marcelo, who dropped out because
of injury. Portugal were without the injured
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brazil started shakily but soon recovered and
never looked like relinquishing control after
Thiago Silva's equaliser in the 24th minute.
Both sides noticeably lowered the tempo after
halftime and the game petered out amid a slew
of substitutions.
Brazil qualified automatically for next year's
tournament as hosts and continue their
preparations with friendlies against South
Korea and Zambia next month.
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