Richarlison and Neymar on target as Brazil beat Ecuador to maintain their perfect start to World Cup qualifying but storm over hosting this month's Copa America in the country amid rising Covid-19 deaths rumbles on

Brazil beat Ecuador 2-0 in an insipid World Cup qualifying tie in Porto Alegre on Friday to maintain their perfect record and stay top of the South American qualifying group for Qatar 2022.

Everton forward Richarlison got the breakthrough 20 minutes into the second half when goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez could not stop his angled near-post shot.

Neymar then scored a penalty in injury time after Gabriel Jesus was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Neymar (right) dances with Lucas Paqueta after scoring Brazil's second goal against Ecuador

The Paris Saint-Germain star converted a penalty late on in the World Cup qualifying match

Everton's Richarlison (left) broke the deadlock against Ecuador during the second-half

The Paris Saint-Germain striker saw his first attempt saved but was allowed to retake the kick after the referee spotted movement before the ball was struck.