Official: PSV sign Maher from AZ

The promising youngster will continue his career at the Eindhoven side and will ink a contract until June 2018 with his new club

PSV have announced the signing of Netherlands international Adam Maher from AZ for an undisclosed fee. 

The 19-year-old will sign a five-year deal with the Eredivisie giants upon the completion of his medical on Monday, with the fee believed to be in the region of €8 million.

The Eindhoven side were in the market for a new attacking midfielder due to the expected departure of Ola Toivonen this summer and identified Maher as the ideal candidate to replace him.

"It had been our wish to lure him to PSV for quite some time. I am very pleased with his arrival, because we really wanted him," sporting director Marcel Brands commented on the transfer.

"We have signed yet another talented Dutchman, which suits our philosophy."

Maher came through the ranks of the AZ youth academy and has developed into a key player at the Alkmaar side in the past two seasons.

He had also caught the attention of clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Ajax, but will continue his career at PSV instead.

Maher becomes PSV's third signing of the summer transfer window after the previous arrival of Jeffrey Bruma and Florian Jozefzoon.

Neymar ready for 'historic' final

Brazil star Neymar believes Sunday's Confederations Cup final against Spain will go down in footballing history and says he cannot sum up what it means to compete for the trophy on home soil.

Selecao defeated Uruguay 2-1 to secure their passage to the final, while Spain beat Italy 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw following 120 minutes of play in their last four tie.

And the 21-year-old - who recently joined Barcelona from Santos in a €57 million deal - believes it is vital Brazil play without fear and seize the moment in front of them.

"This final is the dream match for any player," he told Marca. "It's the dream match for all players, a final that will be forever in football history.

"We must play without fear and not be afraid of Spain. Clearly this is a very large selection, full of talented players, but Brazil also has great quality and I am convinced we can win the game."

Neymar has enjoyed a fine tournament, scoring three goals and dispelling concerns over his pre-tournament form for the national side.

His efforts for Brazil mean he is one of six players in the running to win the Golden Ball prize, the award handed to the competition's finest player, but he insists he is only concerned about winning one particular trophy.

He added: "I scored three goals, all decisive. The first two, against Japan and Mexico, opened the scoring and I scored against Italy.

"But I'm not worried about that (Golden Ball). I am here to help the team to win. If I help with a goal or a pass, great. But all I want is to beat Spain."

Cavani: Napoli situation is delicate

The forward was evasive over questions regarding his future and insists he hopes to sort everything out after the Confederations Cup is over

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has described his summer situation as "delicate" as the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid continue to be linked with a move for the Uruguayan.

The Celeste international has failed to impress at the Confederations Cup but his performances in anAzzurri shirt in Serie A in the past few seasons have caught the attention of a number of top European clubs.

With San Paolo president Aurelio De Laurentiis refusing to budge on the forward's €63 million contractual release clause price-tag, however, Cavani has been left frustrated but he is hoping to resolve everything with talks in July.

"Today the only thing I can think about is that I have a contract with Napoli. For now, Napoli are my club," he told Globo Esporte. "It is useless to talk about my future. I, the main protagonist in this transfer story, do not know anything.

"I just know that I'm at Napoli still and I have to go back there. I think once I have finished the Confederations Cup, I will have a few days of rest and then sort things out. I will return to Napoli and face the situation.

"It's a delicate situation without doubt. But these things I do not want to speak about in front of a camera."

Cavani, 26, has a contract with the Naples-based club until June 2017.

Rooney must not leave Manchester United, insists Gary Neville

The former Red Devils captain believes his former team-mate should remain at Old Trafford next season despite recently handing in a second transfer request in under three years

Gary Neville has advised Wayne Rooney against a move away Manchester United, insisting there is no bigger achievement than playing for the Premier League winners.

The striker, who played with Neville for seven years at United and four years with England, handed in a second transfer request in under three years in May - with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson immediately ruling out an exit.

Rooney has held secret talks with two mystery clubs over a possible summer switch, but Neville has questioned why any player would actively seek an Old Trafford departure.

"I played with Wayne Rooney for many, many years,” Neville told talkSPORT. "He’s a fantastic football player. I’ve seen David Beckham, and other big players, leave Manchester United and it really is something that comes down to the individual and the club.

"I’ve seen Ryan Giggs at 27 years old get linked to Inter, Juventus and AC Milan and stay. I’ve seen David Beckham get linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid and leave. I’ve seen both ways succeed.

"Personally, with my allegiances, I would never recommend anyone leave Manchester United because I believe it to be a great stage to play football and you can achieve what you want there."

Moving on to speculation of possible new arrivals at Old Trafford, United have reportedly had a €14 million bid rejected by Everton for left-back Leighton Baines.

Neville was reluctant to comment on the speculation, but acknowledged the talents of the England international.

"I’ve seen a lot of the speculation over the last few days about Leighton," he said. "He had a fantastic season last year and was brilliant for Everton.

"He’s been a great performer for the last few years and it’s inevitable that he will be linked with the top clubs in the Premier League."

Buffon: Being a keeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world

The Juventus shot-stopper thinks the Azzurri have always had a wealth of choice between the sticks and has called for critics to go easy on young players when mistakes are made

Gianluigi Buffon has stressed the difficulty of being a goalkeeper in Italy, labelling it "the hardest thing in the world".

The veteran shot-stopper has been a constant for the Azzurri since his debut in 1997 and, ahead of the Confederations Cup third-place play-off final against Uruguay on Sunday, has picked up 132 caps.

The Juventus No.1 believes that critics dwell on goalkeeping errors more than mistakes in any other area of the pitch and says that it is particularly tough in his homeland.

"In Italy, being a goalkeeper is the hardest thing in the world," Buffon told Globo Esporte, "because criticism that goalkeepers suffer in general here in Italy is always negative.

"If I fail, they speak for four months about that error. But I guess if they talk so much it is because they are not used to seeing me fail."

Buffon believes that young footballers should not be heavily criticised as it is part of the learning process and also dismissed the importance of behaviour off the pitch.

"I think the young player has the right to make mistakes," the 35-year-old said. "It's with such an error that he can mature and become a man.

"A player off the field can do whatever you want, the important thing is that on the field they give their utmost to help the other 10 players."

Cesare Prandelli chose Buffon, Paris Saint-Germain starlet Salvatore Sirigu and Lazio shot-stopper Federico Marchetti to take to the Confederations Cup and the Bianconeri captain thinks that the Azzurrihave always had a trio of excellent options between the sticks.

"Italy have always had three of the best goalkeepers in the world, in each selection and each period of football," he added. "It is a constant.

"Now, when I look back and I think of my career, I see that it was really hard to get hold of the No.1 position for around 20 years"

Shevchenko: Ronaldo must remain at Real Madrid

The former Ukraine international feels the 28-year-old would be making a huge mistake if he decided to leave the Spanish capital, particularly with Carlo Ancelotti now in charge

Andriy Shevchenko has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid, arguing that playing for theBlancos is the pinnacle of any professional player's career.

It has been reported the Portugal international is considering a return to Manchester United, but Shevchenko believes the 28-year-old attacker would be foolish to quit Madrid.

"I do not know why Cristiano would want to go," the former AC Milan striker told AS. "When you're in Madrid, you must stay in Madrid. 

"We would all like to have played there. I do not think you can go much further in your career."

Shevchenko says Ronaldo would be better to remain at the Bernabeu in order to have the opportunity to work with Madrid's new boss, Carlo Ancelotti, whom the former Ukraine forward played under during his time at San Siro.

"I'm sure Ancelotti will be a friend to all, not just Cristiano Ronaldo, and open doors for everyone in that dressing room," he added.

"He will shake up Real, but in a good way, like a breath of fresh air. I am sure he will want to convince Cristiano to stay and be the best.

"I do not think there are too many teams as suitable for Carlo's type and style of play as Real Madrid. It's good for both parties. They are made for each other."

Ancelotti has arrived at Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, whom he last season led to a first Ligue 1 success since 1994.

Mourinho: 'Selfish' players to be given short shrift at Chelsea

The returning Portugese manager believes he can repeat his trophy-winning success with the club if the squad works hard, after a troublesome spell in charge at Real Madrid

New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has warned his squad they will not achieve success if they are "selfish" next season.

Mourinho, who returned to take charge at Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, hopes to take Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League after winning the trophy twice before with the Blues.

But the former Porto coach, who dropped captain Iker Casillas from the Real Madrid lineup last season, believes his new squad must learn from the mistakes which marred his spell as manager of the Spanish giants.

"There is something I say at every club I go to, and I’m going to say it again when I meet the players on July 10,” he told reporters. “It’s a sentence that I always say on the first day: If you are a top professional, if you are not a selfish person, if you put the club in front of yourself, and if you are here to work 100 percent for me, for your fellow players and for the club, we will have a wonderful relationship. 

“If you are selfish, if you don’t care about the fans, then we are in big trouble.”

The 50-year-old also feels he will need the full backing of Roman Abramovich upon his stint as manager of the London side.

"Sometimes you have a couple of guys that are not too keen to accept these kind of rules and this is where you have some problematic relationships, and the club in that moment either supports the problematic player or the manager," Mourinho explained. “If the clubs support the manager, the two little guys — gone, easy.”

Iniesta: Spain is on the right track

The Barcelona midfielder feels the Euro 2012 winners put in a good performance and are well on their way to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup

Andres Iniesta has voiced his satisfaction with Spain's 2-1 Confederations Cup win over Uruguay on Sunday and feels the reigning European and world champions are on the right track.

First-half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado helped Spain to a comfortable lead before Luis Suarez pegged one back in the closing stages of the game and Iniesta was pleased with his side's display in their Group B opener.

"The team put in a great performance and worked very hard. We are on the right track with two games left in the group stages," the Barcelona star told reporters. "We knew that Uruguay were going to approach the game aggressively and would not allow us time to think on the ball. We always made the right decisions, though, and always picked the right pass.

"We struggled a bit with the humidity towards the end. We were looking for a third goal, but were unable to get one. The overall feeling is good, though."

Spain takes on Tahiti on June 20 in its second group game.

Lazio president: No Paris Saint-Germain offer for Hernanes

The midfielder has recently been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 champions, but the Stadio Olimpico side insists he is not for sale

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has insisted that Paris Saint-Germain hasn't made an offer for Hernanes and added that the Serie A outfit have no intention of selling the Brazil international this summer.

A number of recent reports suggested that PSG is keen to lure Hernanes, 28, to the French capital ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, but a transfer seems to be out of the question following Lotito's comments.

"We will not sell Hernanes. [PSG director] Leonardo has not contacted me to discuss a transfer and they have not made an offer yet, but it's clear now how we feel about this," the Lazio president was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"Lazio will not let go of Hernanes and the same can be said for our other stars. I am talking about [Senad] Lulic, [Federico] Marchetti and [Antonio] Candreva.  Our only thought is to strengthen the squad even further ahead of next season."

Mexico 1-2 Italy

Goals from Italian legend Andrea Pirlo and star striker Mario Balotelli on either side of the half handed Mexico its first loss of 2013.

A change in competitions couldn't change Mexico's fortunes for the better. 

El Tri stepped away from World Cup qualifying and took a 2-1 loss to Italy to open up the 2013 Confederations Cup campaign for both nations on Sunday.

Mario Balotelli was the hero for the Italians by scoring the game-winning goal in the 78th minute, while teammate Andrea Pirlo had the opening goal of the match off a free kick early in the first half.

Mexico's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez capitalized on a penalty kick for the equalizer in the 34th minute.

The Italians got off to a flying start and exposed a shaky Mexican defense in the early stages. Balotelli, Emanuele Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio all tested Mexican goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona in the opening 10 minutes. 

Italy's pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute when Pirlo, playing in his 100th match for the Azzurri, gave his side the lead with a brilliant free kick from 25 yards out, bending his effort over the wall and into the upper corner.

"I was dreaming of a free-kick goal," Pirlo said. "It was important to win the first match and now we have three days to recuperate. It's nice to be applauded in a legendary stadium like this."

Despite the dominance from Italy, the lead wouldn't last long.

Eight minutes later, Chicharito pulled El Tri back level from the penalty spot. Giovani dos Santos - back in his familiar starting role playing behind Hernandez - won the penalty when he stepped around Andrea Barzagli while pressure the ball and was brought down in Italy's box.

The goal was Hernandez's 33rd strike in just 50 matches for Mexico, and sent the match to the break with the score knotted at 1-1.

Mexico gifted Pirlo another chance from a free kick just after the break and almost paid for it again. This time the Italian legend kept his shot low and as it slipped under the leaping Mexican wall, it fell kindly forRiccardo Montolivo. The Milan midfielder had little time to collect himself before poking the ball at goal, but Corona was already off his line to make the save.

Another free kick for Pirlo in the 59th minute blazed narrowly wide of the mark, but Mexico was living dangerously early in the second half much as it had in the first.

El Tri held out until the 78th minute, but the defense finally fell short.

What looked like an innocent enough flick into the box gave Balotelli a chance to spin on Mexico captain Maza Rodriguez, who was simply not strong enough to hold keep the Milan forward from rounding him and poking the ball past Corona for the winning goal.

"Mario has to stop showing off his muscles," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said of Balotelli ripping off his shirt to celebrate the goal. "The yellow cards count. Anyhow, well done."

While Mexico's form in 2013 has been poor, the loss to Italy was still the first suffered by the team this year, ending a 13-match run without a defeat.

The road doesn't get any easier for Mexico either, with a match against host nation Brazil on tap for Wednesday. Italy will be back in action that day as well, taking on Japan.

Udinese: Juventus must make a decision on Isla

The Chilean is expected to move on this summer, but Gino Pozzo insists any talk of the midfielder's future can only come after his co-ownership deal with the Old Lady is settled

Udinese vice president Gino Pozzo has advised Juventus to make a swift decision on whether it wants to purchase the remaining 50 percent of Mauricio Isla.

The Chilean midfielder was signed by the Bianconeri on a co-ownership deal last summer but struggled with form and fitness as he ended the season with only 11 Serie A appearances to his name.

Reports have linked Isla with another move away as a result of his situation, yet the Zebrette claim his existing agreement with the Old Lady must be settled first before any talk of a transfer can go ahead.

"Regarding Isla, our agreement with Juventus is clear," Pozzo told Messagero Veneto. "They must make the decision on whether to buy out the remaining 50 per cent of his contract. If they want to then send him to a third club, that is fine with us."

However, Pozzo did reveal that a deal was in place to take defender Mehdi Benatia to Roma, although he was equally as quick to shoot down the idea of Dusan Basta possibly following Isla to Inter.

"The negotiations with Roma for Benatia are at a fairly advanced stage. The player had already requested a transfer last year and we are trying to make him happy," the official added.

"We want to keep Basta in order to maintain a competitive squad. Dusan deserves a top team and we are working towards that in this sense."

Xavi wary of 'decisive' Suarez

The playmaker believes Uruguay is a "great team", led by the match-winning talents of the Liverpool ace, while revealing that Spain is motivated by its past Confeds failings

Xavi has urged Spain to keep a close eye on Luis Suarez in their Confederations Cup curtain-raiser withUruguay on Sunday, claiming the forward is a "decisive player".

The Liverpool man will reportedly use the World Cup rehearsal as a shop window, as links with Real Madrid continue to gather pace, and the 33-year-old is wary of the threat posed by his rival attacker.

"Luis Suarez is a decisive player and one that can prove the difference. He is a nuisance to the defence, just as Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani are. They have a great team," he said at a press conference. "But whoever we play, the philosophy remains the same. We want to be protagonists, keep the ball and play on the attack.

"Against Uruguay and any other team, we must be very dynamic, move the ball quickly and open up the pitch.

"We are also concerned about the condition of the pitch. We hope that it is watered, because that will favour us. We will look out on this."

Spain was surprisingly knocked out of the 2009 Confederations Cup at the semifinal stage, having lost 2-0 to the USA, and Xavi is adamant that his international teammates will use the disappointment as a source of motivation this time around.

"We are very excited and have the thorn of not having won in 2009. Maybe at my age this is my last Confederations Cup," he added. "For fans of football, Brazil has a place in the history in world football. They are fancied coming into this tournament.

"Playing here is an added bonus. We are going to try and win it."

Xabi Alonso will miss the competition in Brazil due to ankle surgery, while the lack of appearances accumulated by captain Iker Casillas since January is seen as a cause for concern, yet the Barcelona veteran refused to dwell on the duo's hardships.

"[Iker] is still the captain and he is happy and training hard at the moment. His importance to the team is great," he noted.

“The system does not change [without Alonso], but only the players starting in the XI. Xabi gives great balance and is a significant absence."

Chelsea boss Mourinho adamant he would have rejected Manchester United job

The Portuguese boss says that the Blues were the only side he was interested in joining, claiming that he would even have turned down the chance to follow Sir Alex Ferguson

New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says that he would have rejected the chance to manage Manchester United.

The 50-year-old was officially unveiled at Stamford Bridge on June 3 after an unspectacular final season with Real Madrid and had previously been muted as a potential successor to the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson.

But the Portuguese is adamant that Chelsea was always his number one choice, categorically denying he would have been interested in replacing the retiring Ferguson at Old Trafford.

"I would have turned down every job in the world - the Manchester United job, every one - for Chelsea," Mourinho told reporters.

The coach also revealed that he was part of the inner circle of trusted confidants who knew about the United legend's impeding retirement and he told the Scot that he had no interest in managing any team other than Chelsea.

"I knew that Ferguson was retiring many months ago," Mourinho continued. "I am so happy with his trust because it was big news for the world - I can imagine that just a very small circle around him knew that and it was a big responsibility for me to know that.

"Why do I know that? Because we are friends, so if I am his friend to know that he is going to retire, he is also my friend to know that the club I want to coach in England is Chelsea.

"Of course I told him I want to come to Chelsea. I would turn down every job in the world for Chelsea."

Sneijder rules out summer Chelsea switch

The Galatasaray midfielder won the treble under Jose Mourinho at Inter, but dismissed a reunion with the Portuguese boss this window – though could be open to a move in January

Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder has played down reports linking him with a move to Chelsea, and says he is happy to remain with the Turkish giants.

The 29-year-old moved to the Istanbul-based outfit in January 2013, scoring three goals as Galatasaray claimed the Super Lig title.

Recent reports have linked the Netherlands international with a move to Stamford Bridge to link up with former manager Jose Mourinho, but the Dutchman has refuted those claims.

“I have a special relationship with Jose Mourinho and enjoyed working with him, but I can't leave Galatasaray in the lurch or the fans that I admire,” Sneijder told Turkish newspaper Milliyet. “I want to play till January at least and help my team. I love Istanbul so much.”

Sneijder cost Galatasaray a fee in the region of 6.3 million pounds, and the former Ajax and Real Madrid star feels he has an obligation to remain with the club.

“I've met a new country and a new culture. It would not be easy to leave and turn my back [on Galatasaray]," he continued.

“My club have expectations of me. The board worked so hard for my transfer. I can't go anywhere because I owe them.”

Neymar: Estoy 100% para enfrentar a México

El delantero de Brasil encendió alarmas en el estreno de la Canarinha en la Copa Confederaciones. Pero tranquilizó a todos y dijo que estará ante la selección azteca

Neymar fue uno de los grandes valores que ha tenido Brasil en el triunfo por 2-0 en el debut de la Copa Confederaciones, contra Japón. El crack, ex del Santos y flamante fichaje del Barcelona, analizó brevemente la victoria frente a los nipones y mostró su felicidad ante los medios de comunicación.

"Estoy muy contento con la actuación, no sólo la mía, sino la de todo el equipo. Siempre digo que nuestro equipo está mejorando, y las individualidades están llegando en el momento oportuno, como ha pasado hoy", señaló Neymar, que ha tenido que ser reemplazado en la segunda parte para cuidar su forma física, mermada tras un golpe en el segundo tiempo.

El jugador del Barcelona fue consultado por la molestia que le sacó del campo de juego. Y Neymar no dudó en responder lo que el pueblo brasileño quería escuchar: "Estoy 100% para el partido México"

Sobre su gol, el primero de la Canarinha en el partido, dijo que no sabe a quién se lo tenía que dedicar, pero consideró que debe ir para su familia. "Debe ser para mi papá, mi mamá, mi hermana... hijo, novia.Fue una sensación muy buena".

21 goles con Selección

Neymar da Silva Dos Santos Junior, el llamado a ser la próxima gran estrella del fútbol mundial y referente de la “Canarinha” no necesitó de muchos minutos para estampar su sello de calidad en esta Copa Confederaciones, pues apenas al minuto tres empalmó de volea un balón dejado por Fred a las afueras del área para marcar su gol 21 en 35 apariciones con el seleccionado.

El ahora ex Santos tuvo su debut como seleccionado mayor el 10 de agosto de 2010, frente a Estados Unidos; el brasileño de entonces 18 años de edad inició como titular y posteriormente abrió el marcador al minuto 28 en lo que se convertiría en una victoria de 2-0.

A partir de ahí, Neymar Jr. se volvió recurrente en los llamados y en la lista de anotadores, sus primeros goles en torneo oficial llegaron en la Copa América de 2011, frente a Ecuador, anotó doblete para una victoria de 4-2; sin embargo, no se hizo presente en los siguientes encuentros, pasando muy desapercibido.

Su gol frente a Japón no es el primero que consigue en contra de seleccionados asiáticos: En el mundial sub-17 en 2009, justamente abrió el debut “carioca” vs el cuadro nipón; años después, ya con el seleccionado principal logró su primer triplete en contra de China el 10 de septiembre del año pasado.

Posteriormente anotó uno más frente a Iraq el 11 de octubre y cinco días después nuevamente enfrentó a los japoneses, a los cuales despachó con un doblete.

Además de sus 21 goles, acumula 13 asistencias en 35 partidos, números que demuestran la clara importancia que ha tomado la nueva estrella del Barcelona en su selección.

Pique: Mourinho nearly tore Spain apart

The Blaugrana defender has admitted the harmony in the Roja dressing room was disrupted during a sequence of heated derby clashes between Spain's two biggest clubs

Gerard Pique has slammed the damage Jose Mourinho inflicted on the Spain dressing room as a result of the fierce nature of Clasico encounters during his time in charge of Real Madrid.

The Portuguese coach left the Blancos after a controversy-ridden final year in charge and has in recent weeks been roundly criticized by Barcelona personnel for the venomous atmosphere he created in La Liga.

And speaking to Marca ahead of Spain's first Confederations Cup clash with Uruguay, Pique confessed that rivalry almost destroyed la Roja, with the Portuguese guilty of gouging then-Blaugrana assistant Tito Vilanova's eye during one ugly incident.

"I trusted in the maturity of all of the players," the 26-year-old defender responded when asked if he feared tension in the Mourinho era might completely undermine the national team. "But things got to the point where they crossed the line, and that made for a tense atmosphere. That's where everyone's maturity came in to play in order to say, 'That's enough.' It wasn't Mourinho who did it. It was some of the players who realized that it was getting out of hand."

Barcelona claimed the Liga crown in Mourinho's first season in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu and handed out a 5-0 beating to los Blancos at Camp Nou that same term and Pique feels the Catalans' dominance played a part in the ill-feeling between the sides.

"It got to the point where I think we were quite superior to Real Madrid and we were winning lots of trophies," the former Manchester United center half said. "He tried to take the game off the field of play and I think he acted like that because he felt inferior to Barcelona, but at the end of the day the pitch is where things happen. Everything else just creates a bad vibe and generates things which aren't good for the national team or for this sport."

Brazil 3-0 Japan

Neymar volley opens Confederations Cup in style

The new Barcelona acquisition turned in a superb display to inspire the Seleção to three points and keep their hopes alive for a third consecutive Confederations Cup title.

Brazil got its Confederations Cup title defense off to the perfect start with a thrilling 3-0 victory against Japanin Brasilia.

Goals from Neymar, Paulinho and Jo ensured that the Seleção maintained their unbeaten record against the Asian nation with a convincing performance to alleviate some of the pressure on Luiz Felipe Scolari's shoulders.

There had been much debate as to whether new Barcelona signing Neymar could rise to the occasion and he provided the hosts with the dream start with a sumptuous strike after just three minutes.

The 21-year-old ended his nine-game streak without a goal for club and country with a stunning half-volley into the top right corner after Marcelo's cross had been deftly cushioned into his path by the chest of Fred.

Japan almost struck back immediately when Keisuke Honda tried his luck from distance but his fierce free kick was palmed to safety by Julio Cesar.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder proved a constant thorn in the Seleção side and he forced the Queens Park Rangers shotstopper into another save on 18 minutes from the edge of the box after jinking inside the challenge of David Luiz.

The partnership of Dani Alves and Hulk down the right wing was causing the Japanese defense problems and the pair combined excellently on 22 minutes but the Zenit St. Petersburg forward's dangerous low cross was crucially hooked clear by Japan captain Makoto Hasebe.

The same two players combined again five minutes before the break with Alves feeding Hulk on the right-hand side of the box. The forward cut inside the challenge of Yuto Nagatomo onto his preferred left foot before thumping a ferocious drive into the side netting with Eiji Kawashima scrambling.

The Standard Liege goalkeeper was called into action soon after as he produced a fine finger-tipped save to prevent Fred's low drive across goal after the striker had been picked out by Neymar's inch-perfect cross.

The Samurai Blue came out of the blocks quickly after the interval but it was the hosts who doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half. The relentless Alves drove forward from defense before his fizzing low cross was controlled expertly by Paulinho, whose low shot somehow squirmed under the body of Kawashima.

Brazil's performances have come under scrutiny since the re-appointment of Scolari but the boys in yellow appeared solid at the back and irresistible in attack, throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the world that they are serious contenders for the World Cup next summer.

Alberto Zaccheroni's side really should have pulled a goal back on 50 minutes when Hiroshi Kiyotake's teasing low cross found Shinji Okazaki in the area, but the Stuttgart forward inexplicably steered his effort the wrong side of the post.

Ryoichi Maeda was introduced in a bid to add some attacking steel to Japan's play and the striker nearly reduced the deficit on 72 minutes when he latched onto a loose ball in the Brazil box before swivelling and forcing Cesar into a smart stop with his low effort. 

The boos did ring out for Scolari however when he opted to withdraw Neymar from the action, but with games against Italy and Mexico to come, the 64-year-old's decision was understandable.

Late substitute Jo added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time when he swept home from Oscar's pass after a devastating counter attack to cap a convincing display from Scolari's side.

Brazil could secure progress to the semifinals with victory against Mexico on Wednesday evening whilst Japan looks to get its first points on the board when it faces Italy.

Suarez: Liverpool must listen to me

The striker is looking increasingly likely to move club this summer after again hinting at his desire to join Real Madrid, but he acknowledges his loyalties lie with the Reds

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has called on the club to "listen" to him amid talk of a possible summer exit from Anfield.

The Uruguay international has recently admitted his desire to join Real Madrid, describing it as a "dream", while revealing he is keen to leave England due to negative press attention.

Suarez, though, has acknowledged his loyalties must lie with his contracted club, Liverpool, but was keen to stress the importance of a player's wishes.

"First, I have a contract with the club, but if one day I want to sign [for another club], Liverpool will hear the offer, as it does with other players," he told Marca.

"They must agree with other teams, but the word of the player, in this case mine, is important. If you need a change, you should listen to the player.

"Every player aspires [to be the best] and if you ask a child of eight years they would say one day they would go to Real Madrid or Barcelona."

Suarez has repeatedly attracted controversy during his time in England, being handed an eight-game ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra before a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

Liverpool fans have supported the striker throughout his spell at Anfield, and Suarez insists he will always care for the club.

"The love I have for Liverpool I will never forget," he added. "I love the city, the club and the people and everyone is welcome. All I ask is for respect for all the things that have been said."

Suarez maintains he has been singled out by British media, but accepts there are areas of his on-field behavior which he could improve on.

"There are moments of importance [in games] and I have lived football in a very particular way since childhood," he said.

"But I know I can play tricks. Sometimes I protest too much to the referee. I have to take it a bit better."

Suarez, who is currently in Brazil preparing for the Confederations Cup with Uruguay, joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2011.