Half-Time Report: Brazil 2-0 New Zealand

Goals from Danilo and Leandro Damiao have given Brazil a 2-0 half-time lead over New Zealand at St James' Park and put the Kiwis on the verge of elimination.

Despite resting attacking trio Oscar, Hulk and Alexandre Pato, Brazil looked a threat from the first whistle with sought-after striker Neymar at the heart of their offence.

He found the net within five minutes but the offside flag denied him his third goal in as many games.

The Santos forward came close again moments later but his acrobatic effort from Marcelo's cross went narrowly wide.

The inevitable opener came on 22 minutes when Porto midfielder Damilo combined with Leandro before calmly slotting past Michael O'Keefe.

Leandro found the net himself soon after following a cross from Alex Santos, who had been played in via a delightful Marcelo back heel.

New Zealand failed to test Brazil stopper Gabriel, and should that remain the case then they will exit the competition with just one point from their three games.