Brazil vs. Japan Recap, Video Highlights: Confederations Cup 2013 Group A

Brazil started its Confederations Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Japan.

The first half of play showcased a fast-paced match with both sides trading runs up and down the field. The home squad scored just three minutes in when Marcelo crossed the ball toward the box from the left wing. Fred stopped it with his chest but it bounced away into the middle. Brazilian star Neymar ran onto the shot and volleyed into the right-side corner to give Brazil a 1-0 lead. The Brazilians would control play in the early going but the Japanese would answer with a few chances of their own. One Samurai counterattack saw the ball crossed from the right wing to the left side of the box. Keisuke Honda ran onto the ball but volleyed it over the goal. Later in the half, Honda earned a free kick on the right side. He fired the ball over the Brazilian wall of defenders where it dipped and bounced toward the left corner. Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar made a tremendous reaction save to volley the shot away. The Brazilians would get the better chances as the half wound down. On one play Hulk cut into the middle from the right wing and fired a shot slightly wide of the right post. Later in the half, Neymar dished a cross to Fred right outside the box. The striker controlled the ball and fired it toward the left post. However, Japanese keeper Eiji Kawashimi dove to his left and hit it away.

Brazil struck early in the second when a cross from the right wing found Paulino in the center of the box. The Brazilian controlled the ball and fired the shot straight at Kawashimi. The netminder got a piece of the ball but it dipped under his arms and bounced into the net to give Brazil a 2-0 lead. Immediately after the goal, Japan ran up the field and got a chance that striker Shinji Okazaki deflected wide. After that play, the Japanese struggled to generate scoring chances. The Brazilians would get a goal from Jo in stoppage time to win 3-0.

Group play continues on Sunday when Mexico takes on Italy in Group A at 3 PM EST. In the evening, Spain will face off against Uruguay at 6 PM EST.

Watch Video Highlights on ESPNFC.com.