Brazil warm up for Olympics with easy win over Japan
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil scored twice in a dominant first half to beat Japan 2-0 in their final Olympic warmup friendly on Saturday before they begin their bid for a first soccer gold medal at next month's home Games.
Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa opened the scoring after 32 minutes when his shot was deflected past Japan keeper Kosuke Nakamura. Marquinhos scored a second eight minutes later when he beat two defenders to the ball to head home a corner.
Brazil were dominant throughout and particularly in the first half when Neymar and Thiago Maia both hit the woodwork. Barcelona striker Neymar was the outstanding performer for the home side and was ably supported by Felipe Anderson in the first half.
The game was a useful warmup ahead of next month's Olympics when Brazil, playing at home in South America's first Olympics, will attempt to win the only international title that has so far eluded them.
Brazil face South Africa, Iraq and Denmark in the group stage.
(Writing by Andrew Downie; editing by Toby Davis)