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Peru hosted Brazil in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, with the Selecao on an impressive run of form.
Having seen Brazil thrash Bolivia 5-1 four days earlier with Neymar scoring twice to overtake Pele as the country’s all-time top scorer, some Peruvians decided to take matters into their own hands.
A video circulating on social media, showed the spiritualists trying to ‘tie down’ Neymar to neutralise him before the game against Peru.
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Their shenanigans, however, had little impact as Neymar provided the all-important assist for Marquinhos to score in the dying embers of the game, as Brazil ran out as 1-0 winners.
Meanwhile, Brazil coach Fernando Diniz has commended Neymar for breaking Pele’s record, which had stood for decades.
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"Many did not know what he would come to do, and he came to do what he did: have fun, score two goals and break the record,” Diniz said.
"He is a very big idol, people must recognize him and accept him. It’s good to live this with him. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a bright future with the 'Selecao' from here on and also with his club team.”
Neymar, now 31, remains a key player for Brazil despite joining Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the summer.