"I'm really looking forward to playing in the Copa America, it's one of the highest level tournaments in the world," the head coach told reporters in Sao Paulo.

"How can we show our strength and which way we play, that's what we want to find out in this tournament," the head coach of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 runners-up added.

"We have decided to invite ... to participate in our competitions the current Asian confederation champions and the previous ones," said Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American football's governing body.

The announcement came the day before the 2019 competition kicks off in Sao Paulo with hosts Brazil taking on Bolivia.

Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, are participating in the Copa America as guests for the first time this year and line up in Group B alongside 14-time former winners Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay.

The FC Tokyo striker smashed home the opener after 19 minutes in Miyagi before adding his second just before half-time with a clinical finish to give the Samurai Blue a winning send-off.

Tournament guests Japan face Chile, Uruguay and Ecuador in Group C at the Copa America, which kicks off on Thursday.

Japan attacked from the first blow of the whistle but could not find a way past the Trinidad defence and Phillip.

Japan next take on El Salvador at Hitomebore Stadium Miyagi on Sunday before leaving for the Copa America, which gets under way on June 14.

Japan will play in Group C of the Copa America with Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay also in the fray. Asian champions Qatar will play in Group B with Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay to contend with.

Admitting that the tie could have gone either way, Stimac said India's first victory under his reign was due to excellent defending by the South Asians.

“Today's result was a result of excellent defending. That was fantastic.

“I was a defender playing at the top level. I can show a few things to the boys, and that’s what we have been doing in the last two weeks - explaining things to the players, and working on the pitch," said the Croatian, who assumed his post in May.

KOREA REPUBLIC 1-0 AUSTRALIA

Busan: Hwang Ui-jo was the star of the night with his second half goal as Korea Republic defeated Australia 1-0.

A tight first half saw the teams heading into the break level at a packed Busan Asiad Stadium.

Richarlison opened the scoring in the 17th minute but Brazil suffered a blow just after as talisman Neymar departed with pain in his right ankle.

Gabriel Jesus added a second goal in the 23rd minute and despite AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar's best efforts, the West Asians couldn't find a way past the Brazil defence.