Gabriel scores on Brazil debut in win over Panama

Gabriel marked his first senior international appearance with a goal as Brazil fine-tuned their Copa America preparations with a routine 2-0 win over Panama in a warm-up encounter in Denver.

The Santos teenager arguably owes his place in Dunga's 23-man squad for the forthcoming tournament in the United States to Neymar's absence, with the Barcelona forward absent due to his participation at this summer's Rio Olympics.

And Gabriel boosted his chances of a starting berth when Brazil begin their campaign in Pasadena against Ecuador on June 4 with a well-taken finish, less than 10 minutes after replacing Jonas - who had opened the scoring early on - midway through the second half.

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The friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park represented the only chance for Brazil's fringe players to make an impact before their Copa opener and Jonas made his mark by scoring inside two minutes.

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho cut back to the near post but Elias allowed the ball to run through to Jonas and he shot straight at Jaime Penedo, who could only parry the ball into the net.

It was unfortunate start for the underdogs, who will be first-time entrants in the Copa and have been drawn to face Bolivia, Argentina and defending champions Chile, but they defended well thereafter while Penedo atoned for his miss by saving Dani Alves' free-kick and then spectacularly keeping out half-time substitute Hulk's point-blank header.

But his net was breached again in the 73rd minute as Alves' ball over the top to Elias was intercepted straight into the path of Gabriel and the 19-year-old forward calmly slotted low across Penedo for a debut Brazil goal.