Coutinho equals Pele record:

MOSCOW. — Philippe Coutinho has already lit up the World Cup for Brazil.

The magic playmaker made an assist in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia on Wednesday.

His side’s victory ensured they cruised into the last-16 of the tournament.

And with his assist, he became the first Brazilian player since Pele in 1958 to score or assist in his first three World Cup games.

Coutinho has already netted twice at the World Cup and his team-mate Paulinho lavished praise on the Barcelona man.

He said: “I’m always looking for space and that’s the way it happened for the first goal.

“The phenomenon Coutinho gave me a great assist and I managed to score.

“Our goal was to reach the round of 16 and that’s where we are, I’m not worried about Germany and won’t comment on what happened to them.”

Coutinho came off with 10 minutes to go against Serbia as Tite seeks to keep his squad fresh.

Tite, meanwhile, is happy with how his side are evolving throughout the tournament.

He added: “We embraced the expectation and I wanted them to play like they played against Croatia and Austria [in friendly matches], but the World Cup brings out different characteristics.

“There are huge expectations but we are evolving and consolidating.” — AFP.