Neymar looked in fine form scoring a goal that took him past Ronaldo on the country’s all-time goals list as Brazil defeated Peru 4-0 in their Copa America clash on Thursday.

The result means Brazil are the first team in the tournament to win their first two games, and immediately go to the top of Group B, two points ahead of Colombia, who drew 0-0 with Venezuela earlier.

Official statistics from Fifa put Pele in No. 1 spot for Brazil with 77 goals. Neymar has 68 after he netted the Selecao’s second against Peru.

“It is obvious for me that this is a great honour, to be a part of Brazil history,” a tearful Neymar said in an interview full of squeaky tones and long pauses at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio.

“To be very honest, my dream was to play for Brazil, wear this shirt. I never imagined I would get to these numbers.

“It is very emotional to me because I went through a lot of things over these last two years, difficult and complicated things. These numbers are nothing compared to the happiness I have playing for Brazil.”

Pele praise

Neymar has had several injuries, lost a Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, and had to deal with a sexual assault allegation that was later proved false.

Pele, who has followed Neymar’s career since the younger man’s first appearances at Santos, published a picture of the pair on Instagram.

“Every time I see this boy, he is smiling,” wrote Pele. “It’s impossible not to smile back. It is contagious.

“I, like all Brazilians, am always happy when I see him play ball. Today he gave another step toward my record of goals for the Selecao. And I am cheering for him to get there, with the same joy I have since I saw him play for the first time,” Pele said.

Rotation policy

The reigning champions won their opener 3-0 against Venezuela on Sunday but although coach Tite gave starts to Ederson, Alex Sandro, Thiago Silva, Everton and Gabriel Barbosa, it still took them only 12 minutes to get the opener when Alex Sandro volleyed home a cut back from Gabriel Jesus.

With Fabinho a commanding presence in midfield and Neymar always dangerous going forward, Brazil took more control as the game went.

Substitute Everton Ribeiro made it 3-0 in the 89th minute and Richarlison got a fourth in stoppage time. Under Fifa’s criteria, Pele got his record after 92 matches, while Neymar has already played 107.