Kashiwa Reysol 1 Santos 3:Brazil striker Neymar scored a sublime opening goal as he inspired Santos to an exciting 3-1 victory over Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in a Club World Cup semi-final in Toyota this morning.

The Libertadores Cup holders are expected to face European champions Barcelona in this weekend's final, barring the unthinkable in Barca's semi-final against Qatar's Al Sadd on Thursday.

Neymar struck fear into Reysol every time he touched the ball. The 19-year-old put Santos ahead after 19 minutes, curling a superb, left-footed shot into the top corner from 25 metres.

He had already hit the post as Santos, crowned South American champions for the third time in June almost 50 years after Pele led them to back-to-back titles, surged forward from the start.

Strike partner Borges smashed in a second goal from the edge of the box in the 24th minute to double the lead but defender Hiroki Sakai struck back for Reysol with a powerful header nine minutes into the second half.

Santos were two ahead again, however, when Danilo bent a breathtaking free kick around the wall in the 63rd minute to deny J-League title holders.

Substitute Ibson rattled the crossbar as Santos came close to a fourth goal. On such form, the Brazilians will be hard to beat, even by Barcelona, who are chasing a second Club World Cup title in three years.

Barcelona's semi-final against Asian champions Al Sadd and Sunday's championship match both take place in Yokohama.