Brazil unimpressive in 1-1 draw

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Brazilian striker Neymar, who has emerged as a star for the country preparing to host the 2014 World Cup, scored in the 64th minute as Brazil struggled to a 1-1 draw with Colombia Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Neymar then had a chance to give Brazil the lead in the second half, but he sailed a penalty kick over the crossbar in the exhibition contest in front of a crowd of 38,624 at MetLife Stadium outside New York City.

The crowd was well below the 77,223 for Brazil's August 2010 match against the Americans, thanks to limited mass transit in the region following Superstorm Sandy.

James Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 44th minute for Colombia.

Brazil was awarded the penalty kick in the 81st minute after Pablo Armero pulled down Daniel Alves in the penalty area.

Neymar took several steps to his left, then timed his approach and sent his penalty kick 15 yards over the crossbar and into the crowd, leaving the Brazilians unable to take a lead against a team it hasn't lost to in 21 years.

Brazil had its chances early but couldn't convert.

Kaka pulled an open shot wide in the 18th minute and Neymar's header from in close, off Alves' cross, was stopped by goalkeeper David Ospina in the 24th minute.

Kaka also bounced a long-range shot off the crossbar in the 32nd. Kaka returned to the national team just last month for the first time since the 2010 World Cup.

Brazil has 15 wins, two losses and eight draws against the Colombians overall.