Brazil ease past Portugal in Boston

Brazil have beaten Portugal 3-1 at the Gillette Stadium in New England this morning.

Goals from Thiago Silva, Neymar and Jo cancelled out Raul Meireles's opener in an entertaining friendly in Boston, Massachusetts.

Fenerbahce midfielder Meireles capitalised on a weak header back to goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Maicon to poke home after 15 minutes.

However, Paris Saint-Germain defender Silva powered a header beyond Rui Patricio nine minutes later to restore parity for Luiz Felipe Scolari's men.

The watching crowd were forced to do without the absent Cristiano Ronaldo, but they were treated to the talents of Neymar and the Barcelona star lit up the stadium with a superb solo run and finish that took him beyond three challenges before slotting home after 34 minutes.

The second half failed to match the frantic first half, but Brazil fans only had to wait four minutes before their lead was extended.

Former Manchester City striker Jo gave the Selecao the breathing space when he tapped home to make it 3-1 on 49 minutes.

In a game that was largely played in an exhibition fashion, Portugal captain Bruno Alves was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch after several wild challenges that eventually saw him booked late on.