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Brazil 3 Venezuela 1: Willian brace inspires Dunga's men

Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign received a much-needed boost as a Willian brace inspired the South American giants to a 3-1 win over Venezuela on Tuesday.

Dunga and Co. were heavily criticised after being completely outplayed by Copa America champions Chile in a 2-0 loss in their opening World Cup qualifier.

A return to home soil in Fortaleza and Willian's heroics, however, proved to be the tonic as Brazil kick-started their quest to Russia 2018.

Venezuela threatened to set up a grandstand finish after Christian Santos scored the nation's first World Cup qualifying goal on Brazilian soil in the 64th minute, but 35-year-old striker Ricardo Oliveira sealed the points for Brazil with 16 minutes remaining.

It was Oliveira's first international goal in a decade.

The in-form attacker's shot proved too hot to handle as Baroja failed to push the ball over the crossbar.

However, Venezuela found a way back into the contest thanks to Santos' historic equaliser in the 65th minute.

Venezuela's hopes of a comeback, though, were dashed by Oliveira with 16 minutes remaining.

Oliveira - the leading goalscorer in Brazilian Serie A - stooped low to head past Baroja after Venezuela failed to clear Costa's delivery across the penalty area.