FIFA World Cup: Neymar leads as Brazil thrash Panama 4-0 in warm-up

World Cup hosts strolled to a 4-0 win over Panama in their penultimate warm-up Tuesday, with goals from Neymar, Daniel Alves, Hulk and Willian securing the win which barely satisfied their coach

Brasilia: Neymar scored a goal and set up two others as Brazil won 4-0 over Panama in a World Cup warm up match.


Brazilian players celebrates a goal scored by Forward Neymar (R) in a friendly football match against Panama as preparation for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, at Serra Dourada Stadium. Pic/AFP

The 22-year-old forward Tuesday gave Brazil the lead in the 26th minute by curling a free kick into the top corner at the Serra Dourada stadium, reported Xinhua.

His Barcelona teammate Dani Alves doubled the hosts' lead by driving in from distance before Neymar's deft backheel released Hulk, whose powerful first-time shot left Adolfo Machado with no chance.

Neymar then had a hand in the fourth goal when his through ball was squared by Maxwell to William. The Chelsea midfielder then blasted the ball into an unguarded net.

Despite being widely acclaimed as the best on the pitch, Neymar insisted he is yet to regain full fitness after an ankle injury.

"I'm happy to be where I am now (but) I'm not at my best yet," Neymar said.

Brazil will play another warm up match against Serbia June 6 before their World Cup opener against Croatia six days later.

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