Neymar gets hit by popcorn in the head by Brazilian fans after shocking draw to Venezuela
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 13.10.23. | 11:13
The Selecao were 1-0 up against the minnows in the World Cup qualifiers tie, but instead of killing the game, they conceded a spectacular one
What starts as a fairytale usually ends up in a horror. Just ask Neymar and his Brazil teammates.
A stunning overhead kick by Eduard Bello helped Venezuela hold Brazil to a shocking 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Thursday night, while Argentina moved top of the CONMEBOL table after beating Paraguay 1-0 to maintain their perfect record.
After a goalless first half in the Brazilian town Cuiaba, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, meeting Neymar's corner with a superb header at the near post for his first international goal.
Neymar Jr 🧞♂️ pic.twitter.com/62sNq9IzU0
— njdeprê - marlon (@njdmarlon) October 13, 2023
Brazil had several opportunities to extend their lead and wrap up the tie, with Vinicius Jr. having a goal disallowed for offside in the 71st minute.
And then - out of the blue - Bello leapt into the air following Jefferson Savarino's cross for a belter with just five minutes left on the clock.
Neymar with the Sombero Flickpic.twitter.com/xGdLYUhq1z
— Ney (@Neycromancer) October 13, 2023
The Selecao's top star, Neymar, had a true rollercoaster ride, as he had earned himself standing ovations at first with a series of out-of-this-world dribbles. However, after the disappointing outcome, the home fans turned against him. He was booed while leaving the pitch and hit by popcorn in the head. That incident triggered him, and the veteran forward engaged in a fierce dispute with the fans.
🇧🇷A fan threw popcorn at Neymar after Brazil's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw at home to Venezuela.pic.twitter.com/EiEPQL9wkU
— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) October 13, 2023
The draw sees Brazil, who next face Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay in Montevideo, fall to second in the standings after Argentina's victory in Buenos Aires, where the hosts earned the narrow win thanks to an early stunner by Nicolas Otamendi.
Lionel Messi came on in the 53rd minute and was close to scoring, hitting the woodwork with a free-kick in the injury time.
Earlier in the day, a late penalty from Darwin Nunez earned Uruguay a 2-2 draw against Colombia in Barranquilla.
