Neymar leads Brazil to victory over Colombia

Neymar of Brazil in action during a World Cup 2018 qualifiers between Brazil and Colombia at Amazonia Arena Stadium, Manaus, Brazil on Sept 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

MANAUS - Neymar scored one goal and set up another as Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Manus on Tuesday.

Miranda gave the hosts the lead in the second minute before Colombia equalized through a Marquinhos own goal.

The victory was Brazil's second in as many matches under new manager Tite, who replaced Dunga after the Selecao's group-stage elimination from the Copa America in June.

The five-time World Cup winners now have 15 points from eight matches, just one point behind leaders Uruguay.

Colombia were put on the back foot immediately in stifling conditions at Arena Amazonia. The opening goal came via a pinpoint Neymar corner that Miranda met with a powerful header at the near post.

While Tite has helped Brazil to rediscover their old attacking self, there are still question marks over the Selecao's defence.

They were made to look all at sea in the 36th minute when Marquinhos clumsily nodded a curling James Rodriguez free-kick into his own net.