SAO PAOLO: Philippe Coutinho scored a brace to give hosts Brazil a winning start in the Copa America on Friday night, beating Bolivia 3-0.

The Barcelona midfielder scored the first from the penalty spot on 50 minutes following a contentious handball award, and doubled the advantage with a close-range header three minutes later.

Substitute Everton clinched victory for the tournament favorites with a stunning, individual third five minutes from time. — AFP