Dunga hails Coutinho

Brazil coach Dunga hailed hattrick hero Philippe Coutinho for delivering his Liverpool club form in the colours of the Selecao after he inspired the team to a 7-1 victory over Haiti at the Copa America.

Two of Coutinho's goals were beautifully struck long-range efforts and he was a constant threat throughout the one-sided game with his movement and ability on the ball.

"We have talked quite a lot to him about being the 'Liverpool Coutinho' - to take the initiative, be a leading part of the team, all within his own style," said Dunga, the former 1994 World Cup-winning captain.

"He is really taking advantage of the opportunities he has been given. After his first goal you could see him gain confidence and a player with confidence is always going to be better," he added.

Prior to Tuesday's win Coutinho had only scored one goal for Brazil, last year in a friendly against Mexico.

Brazil's other goals came from Renato Augusto (2), teenage star Gabriel Barbosa and Lucas Lima.

Coutinho had opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a long-range effort, his second was a simple tap-in and his hat-trick was completed in the final moments of the game with a spectacular bending strike from 25 yards out.

"We knew we had to try more shots from distance and this was something we improved on over the last game," said Coutinho, referring to the goalless opener with Ecuador.

The 23-year-old now hopes that Brazil can progress deep into the tournament.

"I think we have to dream big and think of the final," he said.

In the day's other match Ecuador frustrated Peru's hopes of sealing their Copa America Centenario quarter-final berth, fighting back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw.