A Christian Vieri brace helped Italy to a comfortable 2-0 win over Ecuador in their opening Group G match in Sapporo.

The Inter Milan striker put Giovanni Trapattoni's men ahead after only seven minutes when he side-footed home Francisco Totti's pull-back.

He added a second in the 27th minute, slipping the ball under Jose Cevallos from Luigi Di Biagio's through ball.

A controversial late penalty ensured Brazil made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Turkey, who had two players sent off.

Rivaldo slotted home from the penalty spot three minutes from time after Aston Villa's Alpay brought down Luizao. The defender was sent off although the infringement was clearly outside the box.

Hasan Sas had earlier given Turkey the lead when he volleyed home from close range.

The Brazilians drew level through Ronaldo five minutes into the second half before Rivaldo settled matters with a cool finish from the spot.

Hakan Unsal was dismissed moments later when he hit the ball at Rivaldo.

Earlier, Croatia, who finished third in France 98, got off to a poor start as they went down 1-0 to Mexico in Niigata.

The game produced the tournaments first red card as Croatia's Boris Zivkovic was dismissed for bringing down Cuauhtemoc Blanco in the box. Blanco then converted from the spot.