Hat-trick for Neymar as Brazil beat China 8-0 in friendly

The Santos star grabbed a treble as Brazil hammered China in an exhibition match in Recife

Brazil star Neymar celebrates with teammates after scoring against China
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RECiFE, BRAZIL // Neymar recorded a hat-trick to help Brazil hammer China 8-0 in an exhibition match in Recife.

Brazil had little difficulty establishing control over their beleaguered opponents and the five-time World Cup winners ran riot in the second half, scoring six goals.

The talented Neymar was impressive as he bagged a treble while Ramires, Lucas, Hulk and an Oscar penalty sealed the rout.

Brazil tried to attack from the sides, specially with Neymar and Hulk, while Oscar was responsible of two assists for the two opening goals.

In the 22nd minute, Ramires combined with Oscar and beat China keeper Cheng Zeng, while three minutes later Oscar assisted Neymar, who finished a counter-attacking play.

They failed to add to their lead before half-time but needed just three minutes after the interval as Hulk assisted Lucas to make it 3-0.

In the 51st minute, Neymar's strike from outside the box cannoned off the crossbar and into the path of Hulk, who gratefully slotted home.

It was 4-0 but more goals were about to come, as two minutes later, Marcelo crossed the ball from the left and Neymar was unmarked to score the fifth goal of the match.

Another present from Oscar to Neymar allowed the Santos striker to complete his hat-trick in the 71st minute.

Things went from bad to worse for China as Yu Yang needlessly elbowed Marcelo in the area to give Mano Menezes' men the chance to extend their lead even further, with Oscar coolly dispatching from the spot.

China had only one opportunity to find the net, with Yang's free kick headed away by Sandro.

The last time Brazil scored eight goals was on May 20, 2006, when they defeated a local team of Lucerne, Switzerland, before the World Cup in Germany.