Brazil 7 Haiti 1: Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho bagged a hat-trick in record win
Samba stars produced an impressive performance to show they are still contenders to win Copa America Centenario
Philippe Coutinho bagged a hat-trick as Brazil produced a Samba masterclass to sweep minnows Haiti aside.
Failure at their home World Cup in 2014, coupled with a dour 0-0 draw against Ecuador in their opener, saw Dunga’s men come into the Copa America Centenario with a little trepidation.
However, this swashbuckling display, reminiscent of glory sides of old, allayed some fears.
Coutinho set the five-time World Cup winners on their way by opening the scoring with sensational solo strike.
The Liverpool star worked his way past two defenders before smashing the ball past goalkeeper Johnny Placide on 14 minutes.
He made it two on 28 minutes with one of the easiest goals he is likely to score.
Jonas drew out the goalkeeper before laying the ball off to Coutinho who had an open goal to aim at from inside the six-yard box.
It became a question of how many the Brazilian’s would score as the soon to-be-ex Barcelona right-back, Dani Alves set up Renato Augusto to net a third ten minutes before half-time.
Two minutes later, there was some sour news as Real Madrid midfielder Casmerio picked up a booking, which saw him ruled out of the final game against Peru — which could still prove vital.
Related Stories
The highly-rated 19-year-old, Gabriel, replaced Jonas at half-time — and soon showed ever
yone why he is so well thought of in his native Brazil.
‘Gabigol’ struck the ball across the goalkeeper with his left-foot to make it party time for the colourful Brazilian fans in Orlando.
And it was five on 67 minutes as another sub, Lucas Lima, got in on the act.
The 25-year-old’s clever header was just too strong for Placide.
The Haitian fans were playing in their inaugural Copa America campaign — and the fans were determined to enjoy their day out.
James Marcelin gave them something to smile about as he powered a consolation home from close range.