Brazil thrash Peru as Neymar close in on Pele's record

Copa America: Brazil thrash Peru 4-0 as Neymar close in on Pele's record (Match Highlights)

Neymar close in on Pele's highest goal scorer record as Brazil thrash Peru to secure a second win at the Copa America.

Early in the match, the hosts took the lead when Juventus' Alex Sandro scored from six yards.

Neymar scored his 68th goal for Brazil after halftime, and Pele subsequently said he was "rooting" for the Paris St. Germain striker to match his record.

Substitutes Everton Ribeiro and Richarlison both scored two late goals to earn Brazil a top of the table spot in Group B with two victories.

Following their opening 3-0 win over Venezuela, Brazil boss Tite has seen his side score seven goals without reply as they prepare to defend the Copa America title they won in 2019.

Neymar leapfrogged former striker Ronaldo in the country's highest goal-scoring record.

"These numbers are nothing compared to the happiness that I get from representing my country and my family," Neymar said.

"It's obviously a great honour for me to be part of the Brazil team's history. To be completely honest, my dream was always to play for Brazil, to wear this shirt. I never imagined I would reach these numbers."

Pele later wrote on Instagram: "Today, he took another step towards my goalscoring record for the national team.

"And I'm rooting for him to get there, with the same joy I've had since I saw him play for the first time."

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A post shared by Pelé (@pele)

On the 23rd of June, Brazil will face Colombia before facing Ecuador in the last match in Group B.

Four teams from each of the five-team groups will progress to the quarter-final stage.

Brazil 4-0 Peru: Watch the full match highlights

Watch some Neymar skills during Brazil 4-0 Peru below

🪘 NO RITMO DO NEY! ⚽️#VibraOContinente

¡Al ritmo de Ney! #VibraElContinente pic.twitter.com/O9V5Y1Pf7S

— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) June 18, 2021

#CopaAmérica 🏆@Neymarjr fazendo suas artes 👏🏼

🇧🇷 Brasil 🆚 Perú 🇵🇪#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/ZwwNgXYoyv

— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) June 18, 2021