SINGAPORE - Brazil lead Japan 1-0 at half-time in their international football friendly at the Singapore Sports Hub on Tuesday.

Watched by a packed 55,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium, the five-time World Cup winners took the lead in the 18th minute, when star player Neymar Jr latched onto a through ball by Diego Tardelli, rounded Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima before blasting an unstoppable shot into the net.

The 22-year-old had earlier hit the post with a direct free-kick, and was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch with his deft flicks and fluid dribbling. One such dribble in the third minute got fans on their feet, only for the ball to bounce away.

The pitch, which was criticised by both teams before the match, was still sandy at kick-off. The ball bobbed around the pitch, while players kicked up ball and sand at times. Groundsmen were on the pitch during the break, armed with rakes, as they try to repair the pitch.

The sea of yellow- and blue-shirted fans awaits the second-half. Follow @stsportsdesk for live Twitter updates.