Neymar scores twice, booked and irritable on Santos return after World Cup failure | OneFootball

Neymar’s first Santos outing since Brazil’s World Cup failure produced two goals, a booking and a fractious display in a draw with bottom club Chapecoense at Vila Belmiro.

Globo.com reports that the No 10 scored both for Cuca’s team but was cautioned for shoving an opponent moments after being fouled, and was their standout performer.

In the first half he scored superbly, collecting on the edge of the area, exchanging passes with Barreal and steering past the keeper.

After the break, with Santos 2-1 down, he slipped Gabriel Menino in before Caballero was fouled for a penalty. He then converted from the spot with short steps, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

He took nine of Santos’s 20 shots, drew four fouls, completed 52 passes and misplaced 18.

Neymar repeatedly berated team-mates, including Escobar after a through ball and Barreal for drifting inside. His first goal celebration mimicked dealing cards, a nod to criticism over his recent poker events while colleagues played in Venezuela in the Copa Sudamericana.

He also complained to the officials throughout and declined a half-time TV interview, heading straight for the dressing room.

At full-time he greeted Chapecoense staff, removed his shirt and gifted his second-half jersey to Rafael Leão in a box, the Milan forward holidaying in Brazil.

Neymar is expected to feature on Tuesday against Universidad Central in the Copa Sudamericana play-offs. In the Brasileirão he is due back on 16 August against Vasco, with suspension ruling him out of Athletico-PR.

Source: Globo.com