Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil’s all-time top scorer with two second-half goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in South America’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.

The 31-year-old striker went into the game level with Pele on 77 goals and had a golden opportunity to break the record in the 17th minute when Brazil were awarded a penalty.

But he looked distraught after his soft spot-kick was easily saved by Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra to keep the scores goalless.

Seven minutes later, Brazil got in front when Rodrygo reacted quickly to slot home after a shot from Raphinha was parried out by Viscarra.

Victor Abrego pulled a goal back for Bolivia, bustling through a disorganized Brazil backline before blasting an unstoppable shot past Ederson.

But there was still time for Neymar to extend his record tally, connecting with a low ball from Raphinha in stoppage time to complete the victory and a memorable night for the forward.

The 31-year-old former Barcelona striker recently moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

Pele, who died in December aged 82, scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971.

The win was the perfect start for new coach Fernando Diniz, who took over from predecessor Tite in the wake of the Selecao’s World Cup quarter-final exit last year.

Diniz paid tribute to Neymar, whose role in the squad has been under scrutiny.

“Many did not know what he would come to do, and he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record,” he said.

Panamanian international defender Gilberto Hernandez was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Caribbean city of Colon, police said Monday.

Hernandez, who won two caps for Panama in March this year, including a friendly against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, died Sunday after shots were fired from a passing car, police said.

Six other people were injured in the shooting.

Crime rates in Colon, around 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Panama City, have surged in what authorities attribute to fighting between rival drug gangs.

Police said Monday a suspect had been arrested in connection with the shooting following “a series of operations and search procedures” in Colon.

The Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT) meanwhile paid tribute to Hernandez in a statement on X, the social media network formerly known as Twitter.

“FEPAFUT extends its condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the entire CAI and Panamanian soccer family,” it said.

AFP

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has expressed his readiness to face Sean Strickland at the Qudos Bank Arena after he finished his incredibly intense final training session ahead of the fight in Sydney, Australia on Saturday.

Their clash will serve as the headlining matchup of the UFC 293 pay-per-view with the event set to be broadcast live.

In a video posted to his official FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel on Monday, Adesanya showcased highlights from his final training session before his fight against Strickland. ‘The Last Stylebender’ and his teammates seemingly partook in a cardio session, primarily jogging and running outdoors.

Adesanya then performed a few resistance training exercises, mitt work, and grappling drills as well.

“I go to that place where I just push. That was definitely – not a struggle but a little battle on my head. Just gotta push. I’m f**king busy. Let’s go. So, yeah. We’re on. I’m f**king ready, bro,” the 34-year-old said.

In a recent interview with MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter, Adesanya said that Strickland reminded him of the “idiots” he grew up with.

Adesanya has often spoken about clashing against bullies in his younger years. On that note, he alluded to Strickland’s history of making controversial socio-political statements and offending others with his behavior.

On the significance of a win, particularly a knockout victory over Strickland, Adesanya said, “Yes, this (a win against Strickland) is going to be one of them (more gratifying).

“I don’t like idiots, or bullies. He knows I’m going to f**k him up, but he’s still just trying to pretend he’s this big dog. And I’m like, ‘Alright, bet.’ He doesn’t have to respect me, or come in and bow down, nothing like that. But some of the things he’s saying, and he’s also questioning my character, like, bit*h you don’t know me.”

The Super Eagles camp for the 2023 Africa Cup qualifying game against São Tomé and Príncipe will open in Uyo on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports.

The Eagles play the Selecao at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday, September 10, in a dead rubber game.

Jose Peseiro’s side head into the game with their place at the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year already guaranteed with 12 points after beating Sierra Leone 3-2 in June.

Eagles coach, Peseiro had on Sunday named a 23-man squad for the encounter but had Alex Iwobi pull out due to injury.

In a chat with The PUNCH, Eagles media officer, Babafemi Raji, confirmed that the players were expected to resume camp on Wednesday.

“The camp opens on Wednesday and will be expecting most of the players in camp on that day as they’ve been able to travel on Monday and Tuesday. We are expecting a full house from day one. We will keep updating the media about the team’s progress as well as plans for the pre-match conference.”

Source: punchng.com