Classy Neymar inspires Brazil

Neymar masterminded an easy 4-0 win for World Cup hosts Brazil over Panama at the Estadio Serra Dourada last night.

The Barcelona star lived up to his top billing with a dazzling display that saw him convert a trademark free-kick, put it on a plate for Hulk to score and play a key role in almost every dangerous foray forward by the hosts.

Neymar opened the scoring just before the half-hour, curling an exquisite free-kick past Panama goalkeeper Oscar McFarlane after he himself was brought down on the edge of the box.

Dani Alves got the second with a fine solo strike from outside the box.

Neymar continued to run the show after the interval and it was his excellent back heel that put Hulk through. The Zenit Saint Petersburg forward produced a silky first-touch finish with the outside of his boot to make it 3-0.

Another marauding run by Neymar eventually broke for Chelsea midfielder Willian to lash home.

Late goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and substitute Xherdan Shaqiri gave Switzerland a 2-0 win over Peru.

Lichtsteiner powered home a header in the 78th minute past Peru keeper George Forsyth, before Shaqiri converted a low effort six minutes later.