|
|
Santos' Neymar: Lifting Copa Libertadores is the happiest day of my career
The 19-year-old was in euphoric mood following his breathtaking contribution to Santos' victory over Penarol, while Ganso showered him with praise
Jun 23, 2011 5:04:00 AM
Santos forward Neymar entered the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final against Penarol amid extraordinary hype. Lusted after by Real Madrid and championed as Ronaldo's long-term successor at Brazil's spearhead, many were intrigued to see if he could step up to the occasion and put on one of the shows for which he's become renowned.
| Bet: | Returns: | Santos £15.71 | Draw £36.00 | Vélez Sarsfield £52.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Santos £17.00 | Draw £35.00 | Vélez Sarsfield £45.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Santos £17.00 | Draw £34.00 | Vélez Sarsfield £45.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Santos £16.20 | Draw £38.00 | Vélez Sarsfield £55.00 |
|
They weren't disappointed on an unforgettable night for Neymar at the Pacaembu. The 19-year-old scored the first and had a hand in the second en route to a 2-1 victory which ended Santos' 49-year wait for the Libertadores trophy and booked them a place at December's Fifa Club World Cup alongside Barcelona.
And that was not all there was to Neymar's exhilarating second-half exhibition. Indeed, he hit the post, created one gilt-edged chance for Ganso and terrorised the Uruguayans incessantly with his pace, movement and singular skills.
“It's the happiest day of my career, I've made my history,” said a euphoric Neymar thereafter.
“The goal was wonderful. Now it's [time to] think about the national team.”
And while the Santos No. 11 will now set his sights of helping Brazil win next month's Copa America, his club and international team-mate is hoping he resists the overtures of Real Madrid.
“Neymar is my brother, he's a great player, a genius,” said Ganso.
“I hope I can stay here for a long time so we can celebrate many more titles together.”
Follow Goal.com on 
. Get the latest football news direct... Check out Goal.com's 
page; be part of the best football fan community in the world!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Make Your Prediction Choose match
Santos - Sport Recife
Santos
Sport Recife
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Santos 3-1 Sport Recife
- 14.4 %
-
Santos 2-0 Sport Recife
- 12.8 %
-
Santos 2-1 Sport Recife
- 8 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Discover football's best & worst pledges
Goal.com takes a look back at some of the best and worst promises made by members of the football fraternity over the years
-
Spain's Euro 2012 hopes hit hard by Villa blow
The Barcelona striker will be out of the continental competition after failing to fully recover from a broken tibia sustained in December's Club World Cup. He will be sorely missed
-
Cartoon: Drogba waves goodbye to Chelsea
The Ivorian confirmed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after eight years at the club, meaning his final kick for the Blues sealed Champions League glory
-
Conte claims Serie A Coach of the Season award
The Italian led Juventus to the Scudetto with an unbeaten record and is deemed the best trainer on the peninsula by the readers in our end-of-term vote
-
All the players available for free in England
A host of big-name Premier League stars are out of contract at the end of the season and Goal.com gives you the top five bargains who will be snapped up for absolutely nothing
