The Sunday News
NEYMAR scored the only goal of the game seven minutes from time as Dunga’s second spell as Brazil boss began with a win over 10-man Colombia in Miami. Barcelona forward Neymar curled home a free-kick to give the Selecao victory in their first game since finishing fourth at their home World Cup. Colombia had been reduced to 10 men on 49 minutes, when Juan Cuadrado was sent off for a second bookable offence.
New Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao featured for 13 minutes.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Red Devils on loan for £6m on transfer deadline day, missed the World Cup after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage in January.
But his return as a late substitute for Colombia failed to prevent Neymar, captaining his country for the first time, from taking centre stage in front of a 73 429 crowd at Sun Life Stadium.
Two months after a challenge from Colombia’s Juan Zuniga ended his World Cup at the quarter-final stage, the two players hugged on the pitch before kick-off.
Despite that, there was no shortage of tough tackles, with seven players booked.
Brazil had the better of the chances, and Diego Tardelli had a first-half effort ruled out for offside, but they could not find a way through until Neymar’s late intervention.
Falcao had a late opportunity to equalise, but could not divert his close-range header on target.
Dunga, who succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari, said. “It is always good to win, especially with the criticism after the World Cup, some of which was very strong.
“This will help the players to regain self-esteem and confidence.” — BBC Sport
