PHILIPPE COUTINHO netted a hat trick as Brazil kick-started its Copa America Centenario campaign with a 7-1 win over Haiti.

    Brazil played out a contentious goalless draw with Ecuador last time out but there was nothing controversial about Wednesday’s Group B victory as Philippe Coutinho put the result beyond doubt against the Caribbean minnow during the first 45 minutes in Orlando.

    Coutinho scored twice inside the opening half hour and completed his hat trick in the second minute of injury time at Camping World Stadium.

    Renato Augusto scored twice with goals in each half, while substitutes and Santos pair Gabriel — dubbed the new Neymar — and Lucas Lima got in on the action after the break to ease some of the pressure on coach Dunga at the centenary tournament in the United States.

    Brazil, though, was exposed in defense as James Marcelin scored Haiti’s first Copa America goal with 20 minutes remaining.

    With Miranda still unfit, Dunga retained the center back pairing of Gil and Marquinhos as Brazil named an unchanged starting XI.

    Looking to pull off a shock and snap a three-game losing streak, CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinalist Haiti called in Jean Alexandre, Jean Alcenat and Kevin Belfort at the expense of Wilde Donald Guerrier, Max Hilaire and Duckens Nazon.

    As expected, Brazil controlled the game against the 74th-ranked nation but was made to wait 15 minutes for the opener, though it was worth it after Coutinho produced a stunning strike to break the deadlock.

    (SD-Agencies)