Neymar's penalty helps Brazil move on from 'pain' of World Cup disappointment

Tite's men are comfortable 2-0 victors over the United States on Friday in New York

Neymar scored Brazil's second goal in their 2-0 win over the United States. USA Today Sports

Brazilian coach Tite said his players are getting over the pain of their World Cup exit after securing a convincing 2-0 win against the United States on Friday.

The Brazilians were knocked out of the tournament in Russia at the quarter-final stage by Belgium, with striker Neymar only finding the net twice in five matches.

But the Paris Saint-Germain forward rolled home a penalty just before the break after Roberto Firmino had given Brazil the lead on 11 minutes at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Tite was quoted on UOL as saying: "It was above my expectation, it did not have brilliance at all times, but the offensive opportunities are there.

"We are getting back on top of a pain and frustration of elimination."

Looking forward to the side's next friendly against El Salvador on Tuesday, he said: "In the second game, there will be a greater opportunity for other athletes to start. Opportunity of some, responsibility to perform for others."

The pace of the game slowed down at the hour mark - with Brazil making use of all the permitted six substitutes to bring on Willian and give debuts to Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta.

And Brazil held firm despite the US trying in vain to find space in their opponent's half and saw out a comfortable win at the ground which will host the 2026 World Cup final.

_____________

Read more

Neymar and Mbappe key players, but Buffon will be just as crucial to PSG's Uefa Champions League bid

Neymar rejoins PSG on China tour after not wanting to look at a football

Neymar: Returning to football will be 'hard' after Brazil's World Cup exit

_____________

Dave Sarachan, who took over as manager of the United States after the side missed out on World Cup qualification, said there were "hit and miss moments" for his youthful side.

He said: "I thought our coordination of trying to step out wasn't very good in the first half, we got pulled apart a bit; I thought the second half was an improvement.

"But overall this was a great game for us to play, in these types of games playing a team like Brazil who's arguably as good as any team on the planet, it challenges you in ways that can only improve this group moving forward."