Neymar Effective in Return For Barcelona
The Kid is back. Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar completed his comeback in impressive fashion as he tallied two goals in the exhibition match between his mother club, Barcelona against Mexican team Leon.
What is more important is that the phenom is comfortably running in the court and showed no ill-effects of the back injury that ended his remarkable run in the recently concluded 2014 FIFA World Cup in his motherland, Brazil. His two goals were instrumental in the dominant 6-0 rout of Mexican champion Leon.
Neymar broke his vertebra in the World Cup quarterfinals match against Colombia in a game which they still won. He was kneed in the back by Colombian defender Juan Camillo Zuniga which forced him to be wheeled off the field. Eventually, Brazil succumbed infamously to Germany in a match that led to some hometown fans to shed tears.
This time around, it was all smiles for the fans of the come backing Brazilian striker. The two goals of Neymar were a thing of beauty. His first one was an evasive move against the charging keeper before tossing the ball to the net with a crafty backheel. He also set up teammate Argentinian Lionel Messi for a third-minute score aside from his goals at the 12th and 44th minutes. His first half appearance was brief but was well worth it as he was involved in most plays for Barca.
Suarez also returns
While Neymar was phenomenal in his comeback, controversial player Luis Suarez delivered a mediocre outing. The Uruguayan striker was substituted in the 75th minute to a roaring applause of fans. The newly acquired Suarez, did not catch much action, but still gained the affinity of fans who chanted "Suarez, Suarez" during the introductions.
The former Liverpool player was last seen in the 2014 FIFA World Cup where he was given a four-month ban for biting an Italian player. He was allowed to participate Monday when the organization reduced his punishment to permit him to play in friendly matches. The striker who drew the loudest applause from the crowd is expected to make his official debut for Barcelona come Oct. 26.
Below are the two goals of Neymar during the friendlies with Leon:
(Video Courtesy of: Youtube/Skrills Skrills)