With Neymar watching from afar, it was Philippe Coutinho who came through for Brazil in the Copa America opener.
With two quick goals after the team was jeered by the local crowd at half-time, Coutinho helped Brazil overcome the absence of the injured Neymar in Brazil's 3-0 win over Bolivia on Friday.
Coutinho converted a penalty kick awarded by video review in the 50th minute and headed in a cross by Roberto Firmino in the 53rd, helping the hosts overcome a lackluster first half that prompted the loud jeers at the Morumbi Stadium.
"Sometimes it's normal for the fans to jeer, they want us to play well and win," Coutinho said. "It was a difficult match, like it always is in the opener. It was important to get this first win."
Brazil next faces Venezuela in Group A, while Bolivia hosts Peru. Venezuela and Peru play their opener on Saturday in Porto Alegre.