Raul Ruidiaz scored a hotly disputed goal to knock Brazil out of the Copa America Centenario ©Getty Images

Raul Ruidiaz scored a controversial winning goal with his hand to give Peru a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Copa America Centenario - a result which sent the eight-time winners crashing out of the competition at the group stage.

The Brazilian team had required only a draw in the match at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough but the global powerhouse have instead been sent to a shock exit.

They looked most likely to claim victory during the opening half of the Group B contest, with Filipe Luis and Gabriel seeing efforts well saved by Peru’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Peru had rarely provided a threat to the Brazilian goal, but took a shock lead in the 75th minute when Ruidiaz turned in Andy Polo’s cross from close range, an effort hotly disputed by the Brazilian team.

Having benefited from a controversial refereeing decision in their draw with Ecuador, Brazil found themselves on the receiving end in the group finale, with Ruidiaz appearing to use his hand to score.

A late rally from Brazil proved in vain, with Gallese frustrating them until the end to give his team a 1-0 victory.

The result confirmed Peru as the group winners after two wins and one draw, leaving them with a quarter-final tie against Group A runners-up Colombia.

Brazil were eliminated after Ecuador had cruised to a 4-0 victory over Haiti to finish second in the standings.

Enner Valencia scored in Ecuador's 4-0 win over Haiti
Enner Valencia scored in Ecuador's 4-0 win over Haiti ©Getty Images

After draws in their opening matches only a win would take them into the quarter-finals, with early strikes from Enner Valencia and Jaime Ayoví giving Ecuador an ideal start to the contest.

Their dominance continued after half-time when Christian Noboa scored from a Jefferson Montero cross, before Antonio Valencia added further gloss to the scoreline by finding the net in the 78th minute.

Following the 4-0 victory, Ecuador will participate in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1997, with their team due to meet hosts United States.

Brazil’s exit means they will now turn their full attentions to preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament, where unlike at the Copa America, they will be able to call upon their captain and talisman Neymar.

Their early exit from the tournament, coupled with the 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals of their home World Cup in 2014, will add to the pressure on Brazil as they chase an elusive first Olympic football gold on home soil.