A string of second-half goals helped a Brazil side deprived of talisman Neymar to an emphatic 3-0 friendly win over World Cup hosts Russia in Moscow on Friday.

After several missed chances in the first half, Brazil's Miranda finally broke the deadlock by tapping in a rebounded shot past goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev in the 53rd minute.

Philippe Coutinho doubled Brazil's lead with a penalty kick less than 10 minutes later. The playmaker's Barcelona team mate Paulinho quickly added another in the 66th minute, expertly heading a flawless cross by Willian into the back of the net.

Russia take on France next week, while Brazil face Germany for the first time since their humiliating 7-1 loss to the European side on home soil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Brazil’s Paulinho celebrates scoring their third goal.Brazil’s Paulinho celebrates scoring their third goal.

 

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