By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
BRASÍLIA, BRAZIL – The Seleção Brasileira (Brazilian national team) won the FIFA Confederations Cup opening match with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Japan at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília yesterday.
Goals from Neymar, Paulinho and Jô gave coach Luiz Felipe Scolari the perfect start to the tournament as the side goes in search of their third successive Confederations Cup crown.
Fans had barely settled into their seats when Neymar raised the roof. Linking up well with Fred, the striker unleashed an unstoppable volley into the far right hand corner of the net.
The goal calmed Brazilian nerves and the game continued with the hosts on the front foot. Fred and Paulinho both went close to doubling the lead before the interval without success.
However, the Corinthians midfielder soon put Brazil two goals to the good early into the second half, his fierce drive finding the back of the net.
Scolari gambled by bringing on Atlético-MG striker Jô, only called up to the squad as a late replacement for the injured Leandro Damião. He repaid the faith shown in him with a sublime third to put the icing on the Brazilian cake.
This afternoon, Mexico face Euro 2012 runners-up Italy at the Maracanã. Brazil then face the Italians midweek in what is set to be a mammoth encounter.
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