Beijing: A late goal from midfielder Hernanes gave Brazil a 1-0 win over Belgium in their opening match in Group C on Thursday.
In other matches, Italy thrashed Honduras 3-0, the United States crept past Japan 1-0 thanks to a Stuart Holden goal while Australia and Serbia battled to a 1-1 draw.
Heranes settled a tight match with his goal on 79 minutes to send the South Americans into wild celebrations.
Four other matches are slated for later Thursday with Argentina set to field Lionel Messi for their match against the Ivory Coast.
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