Brazil, along with Barcelona bound Neymar took charge of Group A in the Confederations Cup with an opening win, against a sturdy, yet ineffective Japan.
Successor of Pele’s most famous #10, Neymar, scored the first goal of the competition at the Estadio Nacional with a beautiful long range side outside of the Penalty Box within just 3 minutes. Japan never really found a way into the game from then on.
Both physically, and technically outmatched, Asian Champ’s, Japan played most of the time catching up to the runs of Neymar and co. Japan, however, was sturdy enough to hold on to the 1-0 disadvantage until the start of the second half when they conceded another goal courtesy of Paulinho, again, 3 minutes into the half (48th). It marked the 4th goal in 15 outings for the youngster.
Brazil may have deserved this win, and their lead was never in any danger of getting cut, but they’ve definitely not ‘hammered’ Japan in this first game of the Confederations Cup. It was just, that Brazil was a step ahead in their game, and their offensive effort resulted in goals, just like the 90th minute closing goal by Jo for Brazil to make it a 3-0 victory for the Selecao at full time.