Zimpapers Logo

Douglas Costa’s late goal gave a Brazil side inspired by the brilliance of Neymar victory over Peru in their opening game of the 2015 Copa America. In a frantic and error-strewn start to the game Peru took a third-minute lead through forward Christian Cueva after lax play by the Brazil defence.

Barcelona forward Neymar equalised when he headed in moments later.

The 23-year-old was a constant threat and turned provider in injury time when he teed up Costa to secure the points.

Dunga’s Brazil have now won their last 11 matches and conceded just three goals since their World Cup campaign on home soil ended in tears.

However, they found themselves behind after some lacklustre defending.

The goal was reminiscent of the kind of play at last year’s World Cup which saw Germany humiliate Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals.

David Luiz put goalkeeper Jefferson under pressure with a dangerous back pass and his weak clearance went straight to Cueva, who made no mistake from 10 yards.

Brazil quickly got themselves back on terms, though, when Dani Alves crossed from the right for Neymar to head home completely unmarked.

After such an open start to the contest, the remainder of the first half was a much tighter affair as the game became scrappy.

But there were fleeting moments of quality, and Neymar rattled the crossbar early in the second half with a superb curling shot.

Brazil, who last won the Copa America in 2007 when they beat Argentina in the final, secured the victory in injury time with a goal which owed much to Neymar’s vision.

The forward picked out Costa with a superb pass from the left and the Shakhtar Donetsk forward finished clinically. — Reuters