Scolari: Fast start key to victory

The Brazil boss believes his side struggled for long periods against Mexico on Wednesday but prevailed thanks to their early goal

Luiz Felipe Scolari has hailed Brazil's fast start to their 2-0 win over Mexico as they edge ever closer to a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

The Selecao were made to work hard for their victory over the North Americans, with Neymar's early goal being followed by a period of Tri dominance before Jo wrapped up all three points late on.

"Our start was fantastic. Then, Mexico turned it around and dominated us for a bit,” Scolari told reporters after the match.

"I would say we did very well. The entire team. I believe that the atmosphere from the fans here in Fortaleza spooked Mexico at the beginning of the match."

The former Chelsea coach admitted that the brief loss of David Luiz to injury set the wheels in motion to a sloppy spell at the end of the first-half.

"When David Luiz came off, we had problems. There was about a 25-minute stretch where we did not play well,” he added.

"In the second half, we adjusted and it was a balanced game. Mexico risked more up front and we did not play as well as we did against Japan."

Brazil wrap up their group campaign with a clash against Italy on June 22.