Neymar leads Brazil to 5-0 romp against Bolivia

Natal (Brazil) Oct 7: Neymar scored a goal and provided two assists to help Brazil to a 5-0 victory over Bolivia in their football World Cup qualifier here.

The Barcelona forward on Thursday struck in the 11th minute before setting up Filipe Luis and Gabriel Jesus with defence-splitting passes at Arena das Dunas.

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho also found the net in the first half when he capitalised on clever build-up play by Giuliano, slotting a cool finish into the bottom corner.

After a scintillating first half, Brazil understandably reduced their intensity after the interval, reports Efe.

Neymar was left with a bloody gash on his head after a collision with Yasmani Duk and he was duly replaced by Chelsea midfielder Willian.

New Manchester City signing Jesus also came off for Liverpool's Roberto Firmino. The latter had barely been on the pitch five minutes when he headed in Brazil's fifth goal.

Brazil's victory was soured slightly by a Neymar yellow card that ruled the 24-year-old out of their next match against Venezuela on Tuesday.

In other South American-zone World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, Ecuador routed Chile 3-0, Uruguay beat Venezuela 3-0, Colombia defeated Paraguay 1-0, and Peru drew 2-2 with Argentina.