Philippe Coutinho was on target for Brazil as they eased to a 3-0 victory against Paraguay in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.

The Liverpool attacker opened the scoring in the first half with a fine goal, completing a one-two and spinning a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

Further efforts from Neymar and Marcelo secured the result for Brazil, who consolidated their nine-point lead at the summit of the South American standings.

Coutinho was withdrawn three minutes from full-time, while Reds teammate Roberto Firmino - also a starter in Sao Paulo - came off at the same time.

The two will now return to Merseyside ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Everton at Anfield this Saturday.