By TATE STEINLAGE
As the old saying goes, big players show up in big-time games. That was certainly the case for Neymar in Brazil’s final group stage match against Cameroon Monday.
The 22-year-old forward scored his third and fourth goals of the tournament to help boost Brazil past Cameroon 4-1 and into the round of 16 by earning the top spot in Group A.
Neymar threatened Cameroon early on in the match, and in the 17th minute his hard work paid off. Midfielder Luiz Gustavo carved a beautiful pass through the Cameroon backline, meeting the foot of Neymar in front of net for the easy tap in. The score marked the 100th goal of the tournament, interestingly in Brazil’s 100th-ever World Cup match.
Cameroon did well to respond to the opening tally with a goal of its own just nine minutes laters, but Neymar would make sure that Brazil would not falter in front of the home crowd, scoring a second go-ahead goal in the 34th minute.
Neymar beat out teammates Fred and Fernandinho for the honors.
What did you think of Neymar’s performance? Will he win the tournament’s golden boot award when it’s all said and done?
Share your thoughts below.
He is playing the highest on the field in front of a home crowd for a team that hold possession better than any other. I’m sure many forwards would like to be in that position. Regardless, he’s a very good player.