Paris: Neymar starred as Brazil ramped up their World Cup preparations with a 3-1 win over Japan, while France saw off Wales 2-0 in Paris and a new-look England held Germany 0-0 at Wembley in friendlies played across the world Friday night.
Elsewhere, Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku became his country’s equal all-time record goalscorer as Belgium played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Mexico in Brussels.
In Lille, Neymar scored a penalty and missed another as Brazil outclassed Japan. He rolled in a 10th-minute spot-kick following consultation with the video assistant referee, although Neymar saw a second penalty saved shortly after by Eiji Kawashima.
Marcelo rifled in a magnificent second as Brazil doubled their lead on 17 minutes, with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus rounding off a clinical counter-attack before half time to make it 3-0.
Tomoaki Makino nodded in a consolation from a corner on 62 minutes but Japan remained winless against Brazil, losing for the 10th time in 12 meetings.
“I’m really happy with what’s happening with the national team and (coach) Tite, we feel confident with him and believe in him,” asserted Neymar after the match.
At the Stade de France here, Antoine Griezmann rediscovered his goal-scoring touch with the first goal in a 2-0 victory against Wales. He had been without a goal since September although his strike against Chelsea was off a penalty.
But he ended his drought by opening the scoring in the 18th minute, converting a pass from Corentin Tolisso. Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud hit his 29th international goal in the second half to complete the win.
At Wembley in London, England debutants Jordan Pickford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek caught the eye as Gareth Southgate’s injury-ravaged side played out a 0-0 draw with World Champions Germany.
Lukaku scored twice as Belgium shared a six-goal thriller with fellow World Cup finalists Mexico. He now has 30 international goals, joining Paul van Himst and Bernard Voorhoof who also reached the mark.
Missing star striker Robert Lewandowski, Poland drew 0-0 with Uruguay who were without Luis Sanchez in Warsaw. Portugal didn’t miss the resting Cristiano Ronaldo as they defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0 with goals from Manuel Fernandes, Goncalo Guedes and Joao Mario.
Agence France-Presse
