LONDON: Neymar scored a controversial penalty to help the five-time World Cup champions beat Uruguay 1-0 in a friendly match at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
The victory saw Brazil extend their winning streak since the World Cup to five. After defender Danilo fouled Uruguay defender Diego Laxalt, Neymar calmly converted his 76th-minute spot kick to a goal as Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana dived the wrong way.
The Uruguay players were furious at the decision and accused Danilo of diving.
Referee Craig Pawson took a while before pointing to the spot and did so only on the advice of one of his linesman.
Though Brazil enjoyed a lot of possession, but they failed to create many chances after Neymar had a close-range goal disallowed as early as the 11th minute.
Uruguay, which has lost three games in a row, went closest to scoring before Neymar’s winning penalty.
Striker Luis Suarez took advantage of a loose ball on the edge of the Brazil penalty area but his shot was flicked over the bar by goalkeeper Alisson.
Brazil had its goalkeeper to thank again in first-half injury time when he parried away a sharp volley from Suarez’s forward partner, Edinson Cavani.
Alisson was called upon again early in the second half when he dived to his left to turn a low curling free kick from Suarez behind for a corner.
This was the first time Suarez and Cavani have played together since the World Cup round of 16, where Cavani was injured after he scored the two goals that beat Portugal 2-1. Cavani’s absence was noticeable when the two-time world champions were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champions France.
Brazil coach Tite was particularly impressed by his defense, which has not conceded a goal since the quarterfinal loss to Belgium in the World Cup.
Brazil play Cameroon next in Milton Keynes, north of London, while Uruguay take on world champions France at the Stade de France. Both matches are on Tuesday. (Agencies)
