Brazil 4-0 Peru: Neymar stars as Selecao extend winning run with Copa rout

Neymar was at the centre of defending champions Brazil's crushing win against Peru on matchday two.

Brazil extended their winning run to nine games and made it two victories from two matches to start the Copa America with a 4-0 triumph over Peru on Thursday.

Alex Sandro fired defending champions Brazil ahead early before star team-mate Neymar added the second goal in the 68th minute, marking the fourth consecutive match he has scored for the Selecao. 

It was Neymar's 68th international goal as the Paris Saint-Germain forward closed within Pele's record of 77 for Brazil.

Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison completed the scoring during the closing stages in Rio de Janeiro, where the result continued Brazil's exceptional form under head coach Tite, having not conceded a goal in their past six games.

Peru, playing their Copa America opener, were dogged but created few genuine goal-scoring opportunities.

After Fred shot wide early, the Selecao took the lead in the 12th minute, when Neymar broke on the left with his cross finding Gabriel Jesus – who cut back for Alex Sandro to turn home from inside the six-yard box.

Brazil had never lost in the 43 previous games under Tite in all competitions when they had scored first, but Peru still forced their way into the game.

Danilo blocked Peru's first real chance from Christian Cueva's 39th-minute shot which had beaten the onrushing Ederson, shortly after Fabinho flashed a shot wide through a crowded penalty area.

Neymar thought he had won a penalty on the hour-mark when he fell under pressure from Renato Tapia, but referee Patricio Loustau reversed his original decision after a VAR check.

He did not need to wait long for his goal, collecting the ball just outside the box and drilling a low shot past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Neymar set up half-time substitute Richarlison for a 73rd-minute chance saved by Gallese, while Peru substitute Alex Valera volleyed over a gilt-edged chance in the 79th minute.

Brazil scored a third goal as Neymar dashed forward, finding Richarlison on the left and the Everton star centred for Everton Ribeiro who forced home his maiden international goal in the final minute of regulation.

Richarlison added another in the third minute of stoppage time, finding the back of the net following a goal-mouth scramble after Gallese saved Roberto Firmino's initial effort from Neymar's neat throughball.

 

What does it mean? Brazil on their way

Brazil have six points from two games with seven goals scored and none conceded, moving top of Group B and looking well on their way to the knockout stage.

Neymar magic

The PSG attacker only got his name on the scoresheet once, but he pulled the strings for the Selecao, playing an integral role in all three other goals. The game was in the balance at 1-0 in the second half, however the 29-year-old's strike eased the tension and opened the floodgates.

Time for Peru to re-group

Peru snapped a four-game losing streak and eight-game winless run with a 2-1 win in Ecuador in their last match – a World Cup qualifier prior to the Copa America. Playing Brazil away was never going to be an easy start for Ricardo Gareca's side but they will quickly need to re-group to get in the hunt.

What's next?

Peru return to action on Sunday against Ecuador in Goiania, while Brazil have a few days off before facing Colombia in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.