Neymar saves Brazil in Copa América opener.

(Reuters) Brazil fell behind early and needed a goal in the 47th minute of the second half to defeat Peru 2-1 in their opening match of the Copa América in Chile on Sunday, with a goal and an assist from Neymar securing the result despite a subdued performance from the Brazilian team.

In their first official match since their disastrous World Cup campaign last year, and motivated by a run of 10 consecutive friendly wins since the World Cup, Brazil found Peru to be a tougher opponent than expected and only managed to score the winning goal in stoppage time thanks to the individual quality of their number 10.

Douglas Costa scored the decisive goal after receiving the ball unmarked inside the penalty area thanks to an excellent pass from Neymar, who scored Brazil's equalizer in the first half after Peru had opened the scoring.

“Every debut is difficult, even more so in a South American competition, with all the rivalry between the countries,” Neymar said in a TV interview right after the match. “But we managed to win, which is the most important thing,” he added.

With the result of the match played in Temuco, in southern Chile, Brazil is tied with Venezuela for the lead in Group C, both with three points. The Venezuelans beat Colombia 1-0 earlier on Sunday.

Unlike many less traditional teams that prefer to sit back and defend against Brazil, Peru went on the attack, making the game open. Just two minutes in, the Peruvians opened the scoring, taking advantage of two consecutive mistakes by the Brazilian defense.

Pressured by Guerrero inside the area, David Luiz passed the ball back to goalkeeper Jefferson, who, instead of clearing it, tried to pass to Dani Alves. Cueva anticipated the Brazilian full-back and struck firmly to make it 1-0.

The Brazilian team equalized just two minutes later. Neymar started the play in the center of the field and led the attack. The ball reached Dani Alves on the right, who crossed it to Neymar, who was unmarked and headed it in to score.

Despite having more possession, Brazil failed to capitalize on their chances to turn the game around in the first half. In their best opportunity, Neymar's shot was saved almost on the goal line by the opposing defense.

Seemingly irritated with the refereeing and complaining a lot, Neymar even received a yellow card shortly before the end of the first half for removing with his hand the foam used by the referee to mark where the ball should be placed during a free kick.

At the moment when the Peruvians began to balance possession of the ball, coach Dunga changed Brazil's lineup, bringing on attacking midfielders Douglas Costa and Firmino in place of Diego Tardelli and Fred midway through the second half.

Éverton Ribeiro also entered the field with five minutes remaining, but the team continued to face difficulties in achieving victory.

It was only after the fourth official raised the board showing four minutes of added time that the Brazilian team managed to score the winning goal.

The team will return to the field on Wednesday to face Colombia in the second round of Group C, and will conclude its participation in the first phase against Venezuela next Sunday.

(By Pedro Fonseca, in Rio de Janeiro)