Singapore: Neymar became the youngest player Thursday to make 100 appearances for Brazil but the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward had to settle for a 1-1 draw as he failed to score in a friendly with Senegal here.
Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for the Copa America champions with a stunning lob after a Philippe Coutinho lay-off in the eighth minute. However as the game progressed, Senegal driven by their captain Cheikhou Kouyate, became aggressive.
Famara Diedhiou levelled for Senegal from the penalty spot just before half time after Sadio Mane was dragged down in the area.
Neymar, who was not in the side that won the Copa America in June, had a relatively quiet game but went close with a 67th minute free-kick. He then teed up Richarlison whose shot from the edge of the box flashed wide.
Ismaila Sarr and Mane both had chances to snatch the game for the Lions of Teranga.
Although he failed to get on the scoresheet, it was still a big day for the 27-year-old Neymar, who became one of seven Brazilians to reach 100 caps. He has scored 61 goals for the Selecao, making him the third highest scorer in the history of his national team after Ronaldo and Pele. He is is one behind Ronaldo but needs 16 to catch Pele who only played 92 matches. However, Neymar became the youngest Brazilian player to achieve the distinction of playing 100 matches for his country.
Neymar won an Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 but experienced many disappointments for his national team, particularly at the World Cup.
In 2014, in Brazil, a back injury in the quarterfinals against Colombia prevented him from being on the field for the 1-7 semifinal thrashing from Germany. Neymar scored twice during the tournament in Russia four years later, but Brazil were dumped out at the quarterfinal stage by Belgium.
AFP
