Philippe Coutinho and Diego Tardelli earn Brazil win

Brazil's preparations for this month's Copa America were given a boost after they beat Mexico in Sao Paolo.

First-half goals from Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and striker Diego Tardelli were enough for the Selecao to take victory at Allianz Parque.

David Luiz squandered an early chance to give Brazil the lead as he rose to meet Coutinho's corner, but headed over Jesus Corona's crossbar.

Mexico tried to forge a breakthrough themselves midway through the opening period as Raul Jimenez fired wide of Jefferson's goal.

However, it was Brazil who took the lead when Coutinho rolled away from Rafael Marquez after Felipe Luis's through pass before beating Corona from a tight angle.

The Selecao then doubled their advantage as Elias evaded a challenge from Hugo Ayala before teeing up a close-range shot for Tardelli to score.

Mexico's best chance of pulling a goal back came late on as Eduardo Herrera fired narrowly wide, but Brazil held on for comfortable victory.