PHILIPPE COUTINHO scored a hat-trick as Brazil thrashed minnows Haiti 7-1 in the Copa America.
By Luke Gardener
The Liverpool ace was in top form for his country as he opened the scoring in the 14th minute and was influential throughout.
Coutinho doubled Brazil’s lead with a tap-in, before Renato Augusto headed home from an inch-perfect Dani Alves cross from the right wing.
Haiti did then manage to get a foothold in the match and restricted their opponents to a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Brazil coach Dunga made one substitution before the start of the second-half as he replaced Jonas Oliveira with Gabriel in attack.
And it didn’t take long for the 19-year-old - who has been dubbed the new Neymar - to get his name on the scoresheet in the 59th minute.
Lucas Lima, another substitute, headed home to make it 5-0 but Haiti then had something to celebrate.
James Marcelin scored the nation’s first goal of the 2016 Copa America after Brazil keeper Alisson spilled a shot straight into his path.
The midfielder made history for his country by netting and was also a survivor of the 2010 earthquake on the Caribbean island.
Brazil were quickly back on the attack though and completed the rout as Augusto scored again and Coutinho completed his hat-trick with the last kick of the game.
The result means Haiti are the first team eliminated from this year’s Copa America.
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