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Brazil hammer hapless Haiti 7-1 in Copa America massacre
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 [June 09, 2016]
(Reuters) - Philippe Coutinho
grabbed a hat-trick as Brazil ramped up their Copa America campaign
with a resounding 7-1 win over a hapless Haiti on Wednesday.
Renato Augusto scored a brace and substitutes Lucas Lima and
Gabriel also goaled for Brazi, while James Marcelin put in Haiti's
consolation goal.
The scoreline -- identical to Brazil's nightmare 7-1 defeat by
Germany in the World Cup semi-final two years ago -- takes Brazil to
the top of Group B with four points, ahead of the evening's second
game between Peru and Ecuador.
Coutinho got Brazil off to a positive start in the Camping World
stadium with a goal after 14 minutes when he skipped past a defender
and hammered home from 20 meters out.
He doubled Brazil's lead 15 minutes later thanks to Jonas, who was
on hand to poke a loose ball across goal and leave the Liverpool
player with the simplest of tap-ins.
Renato Augusto made it three in 35 minutes when he rose unmarked to
head home a cross from the right.
 Although the eight-times Copa America champions appeared to take
their foot off the pedal in the second half, they still created
chances at will against 74th-ranked Haiti.
Gabriel scored the fourth just 13 minutes after replacing Jonas at
half-time and his Santos team mate Lucas Lima nodded home a Dani
Alves cross eight minutes later.
Haitian striker Marcelin delighted the Caribbean contingent in the
Orlando crowd by hammering in a rebound but Renato Augusto restored
Brazil's five-goal advantage when he seized on a loose pass and
side-footed home from 20 meters.
[to top of second column] |
Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho (22) celebrates after he scored
a goal against the Haiti during the first half of the group play
stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario at Camping World Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Coutinho completed his hat trick in the final minute of injury time
with a trademark 25-metre strike.
Brazil, who were held 0-0 by Ecuador in their opener, next face Peru
on Sunday. Haiti, who also lost their opener to Peru 1-0, will take
on Ecuador.
(Writing by Andrew Downie; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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