Neymar blamed an “unstable” pitch after the Brazil forward missed a penalty against Colombia with an effort which bore more resemblance to an American football field goal or rugby conversion.

“The penalty was horrible but you probably noticed the state the pitch was in, it didn’t have any stability,” the 20-year-old told Brazilian media after the 1-1 draw.

“I tried to take it slowly but it didn’t work out...these things happen.”

James Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 44th minute for Colombia but Neymar pulled Brazil level on 64 minutes.

The Santos striker had the chance to put Brazil ahead ten minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty.

But 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.

“I was happy for playing a good part in the game. The team performed well,” added Neymar.

The miss was poetic justice for Colombia after Daniel Alves won the penalty with a theatrical fall under pressure from Pablo Armero.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes agreed with his forward.

“The pitch had an influence. It made the match more difficult for the whole 90 minutes,” he said.

“It’s an atypical situation which doesn’t even mention a comment. He will get over this.”