Neymar takes selfie with his girlfriend Gabriella Lenzi on his Superman phone

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Neymar made a blistering start to his World Cup on Thursday night with a double against Croatia – but UK broadcaster ITV have been forced to apologise after their online service stopped as the 22-year-old scored his second goal from the penalty spot.

Brazil’s star – who has long been hailed as the ‘next Pele’ – cancelled out Marcelo’s own goal in the first half before converting a contentious penalty when Fred went down easily in the box. 

But some ITV viewers were left scrambling to find footage of the goal. Thankfully for them, Brazil legend Kaka was on hand with an Instagram video of the finish from the stadium in Sao Paulo.

  • Neymar scored two goals for Brazil in opening World Cup game
  • His second goal came from the penalty spot after Fred was fouled
  • But ITV’s online viewers missed the strike when the stream stopped
  • Barcelona star’s brace saw off Croatia in controversial match
  • Brazil’s No 10 celebrated after by sharing picture of him posing with model girlfriend Gabriella Lenzi
  • But pair were kept apart by World Cup duties on Brazil’s Valentine’s Day

The broadcaster said: ‘We’re seeing unprecedented numbers of users during the game.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience, we’re working hard to resume normal service.’

It later added: “We’re so sorry for the disruption tonight. It wasn’t planned and we know it came at a crucial time during the match. Apologies again.’

Chelsea midfielder Oscar completed the scoring in injury time as Brazil made a winning start – if unconvincing – start to their Group A campaign.

After his brace, Neymar posted a selfie with his model girlfriend Gabriella Lenzi taken on his Superman-covered smartphone.