Brazil kicked off their FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) campaign with a resounding 5-1 thrashing of Bolivia at the Estádio Mangueirão on September 9, 2023. Neymar was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant hat-trick and equaling Pelé's all-time scoring record for the Seleção in a dominant display. Playing in the unfamiliar city of Belém, Brazil took time to adjust but broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark through a Raphinha strike. Neymar then took center stage, converting a penalty before halftime and adding two more after the break, the final goal a sublime solo effort that brought the house down. Bolivia managed a late consolation goal from the penalty spot, but it did little to dampen the Brazilian celebration. The victory was a perfect start for new coach Fernando Diniz, emphasizing attacking flair and overwhelming firepower. Diniz hailed Neymar's historic achievement and the team's offensive output, while the Bolivian coach acknowledged the sheer gulf in class faced by his team.