Phil helps Brazil to win with fine assist
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho featured for 45 minutes and sumptuously created a goal as Neymar-inspired Brazil downed Japan 4-0 in an international friendly in Singapore this afternoon.
The 22-year-old was restored to his country's squad last month as he attempts to secure a permanent place among the South American heavyweights' selections.
And he did his chances no harm after being introduced to the action for the second half against the Japanese on Tuesday, brilliantly teeing up a goal for Neymar with the outside of his boot within three minutes of joining the contest.
The Barcelona forward had already earned Brazil an 18th-minute advantage and added a further two strikes in the closing stages of the encounter to claim a remarkable quartet.
Coutinho will now return to Merseyside and the resumption of domestic duties, with the Reds heading to Queens Park Rangers in the Barclays Premier League this Sunday.