Brazil have taken a 1-0 lead into the half-time interval of their friendly with Ecuador thanks to a goal from Willian in New Jersey.

It was this summer's World Cup hosts who started the better of the two sides, with Neymar firing just over the crossbar at the end of a fast counter-attack from Brazil.

The Barcelona forward was proving to be a constant threat for Brazil, and he went even closer to breaking the deadlock when a free kick drifted over from 25 yards.

Brazil's pressure finally produced a breakthrough in the 31st minute as Neymar whipped in another free kick to find Willian, who converted from close range to hand his side the advantage.

It could have been 1-1 before the break, but Enner Valencia was left cursing his luck as a powerful strike from a tight angle hit the outside of the post.