Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Neymar scored a hat-trick to help Brazil hammer China in an international friendly in Recife.
The hosts had little trouble in seeing off the Asian side, with six of the goals coming in a one-sided second half.
Ramires, Lucas, Hulk, an own goal from Liu Jianye and an Oscar penalty completed the rout.
Brazil, jeered by home fans following a disjointed 1-0 win over South Africa on Friday, were back to their exhilarating best and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Chelsea team-mates Ramires and Oscar combined for the former to chip over goalkeeper Chang Yeng.
Three minutes later, Oscar picked out Neymar to score from close range.
They failed to add to their lead before half-time but needed just three minutes after the interval to make it 3-0 as Hulk found Lucas who fired home.
In the 51st minute, Neymar's strike from outside the box cannoned off the crossbar and into the path of Hulk, who gratefully slotted in.
More goals were to come as, two minutes later, Marcelo crossed from the left and Neymar was left unmarked to make it 5-0.
He completed his treble in the 71st minute, capitalising on more good work from the influential Oscar.
The hapless Liu then fired past his own keeper before Oscar completed the scoring from the spot after Yu Yang needlessly elbowed Marcelo inside the area.
The last time Brazil scored eight times was on May 20, 2006, when they defeated Swiss team Lucerne in a warm-up game before the 2006 World Cup.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments