Brazil go goal crazy

Brazil star Neymar (R) tries to run past China defender Peng Zao (C) during their international friendly at the Arruda Stadium in Recife on Monday.Photo: AFP

Neymar scored a hattrick as Brazil crushed China 8-0 in a friendly in Recife on Monday, appeasing home fans who had jeered their poor display against South Africa last week.
The northeast of Brazil, and Recife in particular, has traditionally given the team strong support in hard times so there was no better place for Mano Menezes's beleaguered side to come than the Arruda stadium.
After losing the London Olympics final to Mexico last month, Brazil were jeered during an unconvincing 1-0 win over South Africa in Sao Paulo on Friday.
At the end of Monday's match, Brazil's players gathered in the middle of the pitch to thank the fans for their renewed support.
Brazil took time to get going before Ramires opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, exchanging a one-two with Oscar on the left and lobbing goalkeeper Zeng Cheng.
Burly striker Hulk, who scored the only goal on Friday, started the move that led to Neymar netting the second goal from Oscar's low cross.
Neymar celebrated with a wide grin and as Brazil went in 2-0 up at halftime, he said: "No one can take away my smile, regardless of the jeers or praise."
Brazil, who also hit the woodwork twice in the first half, went on to record their biggest win under Menezes, enjoying the "oles" of the Recife crowd.
Midfielder Lucas scored the third three minutes into the second half and Hulk made it 4-0 from a rebound after Neymar's shot came back off the bar.
Neymar scored his second shortly after then completed his hat-trick with half an hour still to play before coming off to a rousing ovation and was replaced by Jonas.
Brazil completed the rout with an own goal by Liu Jianye and a penalty converted by Oscar after left back Marcelo had been fouled.