The Brazil men finally delivered against a top opponent on Saturday, and so did their superstar. Neymar scored the opening goal and assisted the second against Colombia, sending the hosts to the medal rounds of the Olympic men’s soccer tournament with a 2-0 quarterfinal victory.
Brazil vs. Colombia 2016: Final score 2-0, Neymar fires hosts into Olympic medal rounds
After dealing with a week of criticism, Neymar recorded a goal and an assist, leading Brazil to the Olympic semifinals.
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Neymar’s goal came just 12 minutes in, from a direct free kick. He won it himself, drawing a foul 25 yards from goal, then stepped up to place a spectacular shot that beat Cristian Bonilla. The clinching goal was even better, coming from Luan in the 83rd minute. Neymar picked him out in the center of the park with a gorgeous pass and Luan took a long-range rip that Bonilla had no chance to stop.
The last week has featured Brazilians crossing out the name on their Neymar No. 10 jerseys and writing Marta on them instead, as the Brazilian women impressed while the men faltered. But Brazil is finding their stride at the right time, and head into the semifinal on solid form. They’ll face Honduras on Wednesday for a place in the gold medal game.
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