Philippe Coutinho was the star of the show in Brazil’s 7-1 rout of Haiti in Copa America Centenario, as the Liverpool man scored a superb hat-trick.
Despite a rather insipid 0-0 draw with Ecuador in their opening game, the Selecao were strongly-fancied against Haiti in Orlando, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
In what was the most comprehensive win of the tournament so far, Coutinho produced an attacking masterclass, as his stock continues to rise.
Prior to the game, the 23-year-old had only scored once for his country, but that quickly changed in 90 of the most one-sided minutes you are likely to see.
Coutinho’s smashed a sensational 20-yard effort into the net to put Brazil ahead after 14 minutes, and his tap-in doubled the lead on the half-hour mark.
Renato Augusto made it 3-0 before the interval, further outlining Dunga’s side’s dominance, and half-time substitute Gabriel added a fourth after the restart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGEFrCIqEfI
There was still time for more goals, with Lucas Lima and James Marcelin exchanging efforts for either side.
Augusto scored his second of the match late in the day, and the stage was set for Coutinho to round-off a memorable display.
The Reds forward bent a trademark effort into the far corner, having cut in from his left-sided role, and Brazil’s night was complete.
It was a performance that will once again see Coutinho earn many plaudits, and there will no doubt be further reports linking him with a move away from Liverpool this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both thought to be keen on acquiring his signature, and when he plays like he did against Haiti, it is no surprise to see why.
Brazil next face Peru, on Sunday night / Monday morning.
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