Vinicius Jr scored twice as Brazil kick-started their Copa America campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
After a disappointing draw against Costa Rica in their opening match, Brazil needed a win against Paraguay before their final group fixture against Colombia.
The nine-time champions were given an opportunity to take the lead in the 30th minute when they were awarded a penalty for handball following Lucas Paqueta’s shot from outside the box. However, the West Ham midfielder missed the spot-kick, sending it wide.
Paqueta redeemed himself four minutes later by assisting Vinicius Jr, who opened the scoring after a brilliant team move.
Savinho doubled Brazil’s lead just before halftime with his first goal for the national team, scoring from close range after a mix-up in the Paraguay defense.
Vinicius Jr, who has often struggled to replicate his Real Madrid form for Brazil, scored his second goal four minutes into first-half stoppage time by intercepting a clearance to make it 3-0.
Paraguay, at the bottom of the group with zero points, reduced the deficit shortly after the break with a fantastic long-range strike from Getafe’s Omar Alderete.
Brazil were awarded another controversial penalty for handball in the 65th minute, and Paqueta made up for his earlier miss by netting Brazil’s fourth goal.
Tempers flared in the latter stages, resulting in the ejection of defender Andres Cubas for kicking out at Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
Meanwhile, Group D leaders Colombia continued their impressive start to the tournament with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 30th minute by converting a penalty.
Colombia doubled their lead just before the hour mark when former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez headed home from a corner.
Jhon Cordoba added a third goal from close range.
Colombia can ensure they finish top of Group D by avoiding defeat against Brazil in their final group stage match on Tuesday evening (02:00 BST on Wednesday).