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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wolverine GTR" data-source="post: 23601242" data-attributes="member: 158020">United States 0 Brazil 2: Neymar  enjoys winning start as captain   <img src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/09/08/05/wire-4214170-1536379472-564_634x424.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />   Neymar wore the captain's armband and scored as Brazil overcame a spirited  challenge from the United States, the post-World Cup era opening with a  2-0 victory.   Tite handed the permanent captaincy to Neymar after scrapping his rotation  policy and the Paris Saint-Germain superstar enjoyed a winning start as skipper  in New Jersey, where Brazil prevailed thanks to a two-goal first half on  Friday.    Roberto Firmino took his international tally to eight goals with a fine  volley in the 11th minute before Neymar doubled the lead from the spot two  minutes prior to half-time after Brazil were awarded a contentious penalty –  Fabinho going to ground under minimal contact.     USA were not without chances, with Weston McKennie in the thick of the  action, but the hosts were unable to execute in front of a vocal crowd at  MetLife Stadium, where the likes of Barcelona midfielder Arthur and Everton  forward Richarlison made their Brazil debuts.   Friday's fixture was the start of an evolution, not a revolution for Brazil  following their shock quarter-final exit at the World Cup, with only Neymar,  Alisson, Philippe Coutinho and Thiago Silva remaining from the starting XI that  faced Belgium.   Dave Sarachan, whose USA held eventual world champions France to a draw in  June, continued to keep faith with his young team, while PSG sensation Timothy  Weah started on the bench.   Brazil dazzled early in New Jersey, where the Selecao controlled the tempo  and broke the deadlock within 11 minutes thanks to Firmino.Costa was at the  heart of the move, the Juventus star's stunning burst of pace leaving his  opponent in his wake before picking out Firmino, who volleyed home the opener  with the outside of his boot from inside the six-yard box.   USA struggled to keep possession against the composed Brazilians but the  hosts started to knock on the door and almost equalised 10 minutes before  half-time but Alisson managed to deny McKennie's close-range effort.Sarachan's  men were dealt a huge blow with the interval approaching after the referee  awarded Brazil a controversial penalty, much to the shock of the players and  fans.   Liverpool recruit Fabinho went to ground under minimal contact and Neymar –  unfazed by the protests – casually converted from the spot.Fred nearly helped  put Brazil 3-0 ahead two minutes into the second half but his pass to Firmino  was cut out by USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen, while Neymar's shot was cleared off  the line four minutes later.   McKennie, who almost pulled a goal back late in the first half, saw further  opportunities spurned as Brazil beat USA for the 18th time in 19 meetings.</blockquote>

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