Neymar leads Brazil to victory over Colombia
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Neymar of Brazil celebrates after scoring a goal during a World Cup 2018 qualifiers between Brazil and Colombia at Amazonia Arena Stadium, Manaus, Brazil on Sept 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
Just like he did against Ecuador in Quito on Thursday, Philippe Coutinho made an immediate impact after being introduced as a second-half replacement for Willian.
The Liverpool No. 10 orchestrated Brazil's winner by starting a move that also included Gabriel Jesus and then releasing Neymar with a deft through ball from the top of the box.
The Barcelona star needed only one touch before rifling an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper David Ospina.
Coutinho should have scored a goal of his own when he found himself in space minutes later, only to take a moment too long and allow his shot to be partially blocked.
In Montevideo, Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani scored twice as Uruguay routed Paraguay 4-0. Luis Suarez and Cristian Rodriguez were also on target for the Celeste.
Lucas Pratto and Nicolas Otamendi netted second-half goals as Argentina - who were without injured captain Lionel Messi - recovered from two goals down to draw with Venezuela in Merida. Josef Martinez and Juanpi scored for the hosts.
And in Santiago, Copa America champions Chile were held to a surprise goalless draw by Bolivia.
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