Peru 2-4 Brazil: Neymar passes Ronaldo with hat-trick

Neymar scored a hat-trick to lead Brazil to a hard-fought 4-2 win over Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

The forward starred in Lima as Brazil twice came from behind to make it six points from two games to begin their campaign.

Neymar moved past Ronaldo and into outright second on Brazil's all-time goalscoring list, taking his tally to 64 – behind only Pele (77).

He first cancelled out Andre Carrillo's opener before Richarlison made it 2-2 after Renato Tapia had restored Peru's lead.

Neymar was fouled to win a penalty for the second time and he converted before later sealing the win in what was a repeat of last year's Copa America final.

Peru were also reduced to 10 men as Carlos Zambrano was sent off late.

What does it mean? Brazil stay perfect

Tite's men were made to work hard, but two wins from two gives them a dream start to the gruelling campaign. But they were also put through two different encounters – a 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia followed by the test against Peru.

Neymar steals the show

Neymar was the star once more for Brazil. Along with his hat-trick, he was also involved in Brazil's other goal as his corner led to Richarlison's effort. Aged 28 and within 13 goals of Pele, Neymar seems certain to pass the all-time great on Brazil's goalscoring list.

Brazil encounter defensive issues

While they kept a clean sheet against Bolivia and in their previous win over South Korea in November last year, Brazil had conceded in six straight games before that. They had problems defensively again against Peru as Marquinhos' poor clearance was punished before his replacement, Caio, also headed into a dangerous area and threw himself at Tapia's shot, although the deflection was unfortunate.

What's next?

Brazil's campaign continues with clashes against Venezuela and Uruguay next month, while Peru will face Chile and Argentina.