Brazil's Neymar, one of the nominees for FIFA's goal of the year award, stepped up to take a penalty against Colombia in a friendly game on Wednesday night in the US.

But after a long run-up, he hit his shot way over the bar, way over most of the stands at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, and towards the seats near the top tier.

The 20-year-old's miss meant the game, which was Brazil's 1000th, ended 1-1.

Neymar, touted as one of the world's best young players, has been pursued by some of the game's biggest clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.

His goal for Santos against Internacional in March is one of the lead contenders for FIFA's Puskas goal of the year Award.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's overhead kick for Sweden against England, described by some as one of the best goals ever scored, could not be considered for the annual contest as voting had started on Wednesday.

Former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said this week that Neymar could become a better player than the game's top two - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are the three best in the world," Scolari said, Goal.com reported.

"Neymar can reach and overcome [them] in the coming years. Neymar would fit perfectly into [Barcelona], because he's a great player and has excellent qualities. Right now he is in Brazil and is very happy."

smh.com.au