Action from the international friendly between Mexico and host Brazil (yellow jersey) on June 7, 2015, in Sao Paulo. (Photo: Mexsport)
SAO PAULO, Brazil – Brazil scored twice in the first half to defeat visiting Mexico, 2-0, in an international friendly on Sunday at the Allianz Parque.
The Brazilians extended their unbeaten streak against the CONCACAF power to three straight games, conceding no goals over that stretch, including a 0-0 draw in last year’s World Cup.
Philippe Coutinho scored the game’s first goal in the 28th minute. The Liverpool midfielder received a pass in the left side of the Mexican box from Filipe Luis, eluded defender Hugo Ayala with a turn and dribbled along the goal line, slotting inside the far post from a severe angle.
Nine minutes later, Brazil doubled the lead through Diego Tardelli. Elias beat Mexico captain Rafael Marquez to a ball on the left edge of the penalty area and lifted his head to see the 30-year-old Shandong Luneng forward sprinting unimpeded towards the six-yard box for an easy tap-in.
It was Mexico’s last match before facing Bolivia in the Copa America opener for each on Friday in Viña del Mar, Chile. Brazil will square off against Honduras on Wednesday in another friendly prior to launching its South American championship campaign against Peru on June 14.
