Coutinho Scores Hat-Trick In Brazil Win

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho scored his first international hat-trick as Brazil thumped Haiti 7-1 in Group B of the Copa America.

Two of his goals were long-range efforts and coach Dunga said Coutinho had seized his chance.

“He’s been acquiring more trust and belief in himself and taking more risks. That’s what we wanted,” he said.

“We’ve been encouraging Coutinho during training to be the player he is in Liverpool and he did that for us.”

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The victory in Orlando moved Brazil level on four points with Peru, whom they play on Sunday.

Coutinho, 23, had previously only scored one goal for his country, in a friendly against Mexico last year.

“We have to keep our focus for the next game. We have to be dreaming about big things, but we also have to prepare well for the next game. Peru is a very strong team,” said Coutinho.

In the other group game, Peru and Ecuador drew 2-2.

BBC

Coutinho Scores Hat-Trick In Brazil Win

Coutinho Sweeps 4 Liverpool Awards

Brazilian Star, Philippe Coutinho completed a clean sweep during Liverpool’s end of season dinner on Thursday night.

The 23-year-old playmaker has been in mesmerising form for the Reds this term and his performance has been duly rewarded by claiming four prizes at the end of season awards.

Coutinho took home the Players’ Player of the Season, Player of the Year, Goal of the Season and Best Performance of the Season.

His lob against Manchester United in the Europa League clinched the goal of the season prize, although Christian Benteke’s bicycle kick could well have been a close contender.

Speaking about his award, Coutinho said: “Thank you to all the fans.

“It was a good goal but the most important thing was that we beat them. And now we have our final.”

Liverpool drew 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Wednesday night and are set to face West Brom on the final day of the season on Sunday.

Coutinho Sweeps 4 Liverpool Awards