Philippe Coutinho Leads Brazil to Victory Over Haiti with a Sublime Performance

Brazil defeated Haiti 7-1 in the Copa America, with three goals provided by Liverpool’s influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

(Image credit: The Guardian)

Brazil opened their 2016 Copa America campaign to a slow start with a goalless draw against Ecuador, but they seem to be on track now with a rampant 7-1 victory over Haiti. A total of four players found themselves on the scoresheet, but the win was mainly down to a heroic display by Liverpool’s Coutinho, who bagged a hat-trick during the game. Renato Augusto added two more, while Santos’ duo Gabriel Barbosa and Lucas Lima each provided a goal apiece.

This result makes them first in Group B with 4 points and an enviable goal difference of 6. Peru pose a threat to Brazil’s ambitions, as they’ve also claimed 4 points for themselves, while Ecuador and Haiti are the group’s losing sides with 2 and 0 points respectively. Two years ago, during the World Cup in Brazil, the five-time world champions suffered a heart-breaking 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-finals, however it seems that the fortune have turned by being on the winning side of the emphatic 7-1 scoreline.

Brazil manager Dunga said they tried to get Coutinho to replicate the level of performance he has showcased time and time again for Liverpool. “We have been encouraging Coutinho during training to be the player he is in Liveprool, take advantage of his opportunities, and he did that for us. He has been acquiring more trust and belief in himself and taking more risks. That is what we wanted,” said the 52-year-old.

Coutinho stressed his side needs to focus ahead of their clash with Peru, before they can dream of bigger things in the Copa America. “We had a good game and are leaving here happy,” said the midfielder who is currently on the radar of a number of European heavyweights. “We have to keep our focus for the next game (Peru). We have to be dreaming about big things, but we also have to prepare well for the next game. Peru is a very strong team.”

Chile are outsiders to defend their 2015 Copa America title, per online sportsbook odds
(Image credit: Sky Sports)

Brazil 1.45 (9/20) will face Peru 7.50 (13/2) on Sunday, but considering their fine form at the moment they should be able to overcome their opponents with relative ease. One day before that match, Ecuador will go head to head with Haiti, and online sportsbook Bet365 strongly favours the former 1.18 (2/11), while giving outsider chances to the latter 15.00 (14/1).

(For more info about the online sportsbook, check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review.)

Although Chile are the defending champions after clinching their first title last year, Argentina are the favourites to win it this time around 2.37 (11/8), per online sportsbook odds. Brazil boast an impressive team, however they fall back behind their fierce rivals Argentina, with underdog odds of 7.00 (6/1). Mexico are third favourites to clinch the title 7.50 (13/2), while Colombia are behind them 8.00 (7/1) in the pecking order for the Copa America trophy.

Chile have been assigned outsider odds of 11.00 (10/1) by the online sportsbook, despite winning the title last year. Uruguay are sixth favourites 15.00 (14/1), while the host nation USA don’t really have a chance 21.00 (20/1) in the tournament, although they hold second position with three points in Group A.