Brazil began the 2021 Copa America with a 3-0 win over Venezuela on Sunday, dominating their inexperienced opponents from begin to end in a one-sided match.
Defender Marquinhos scored the primary purpose in the course of the primary half, when he was fortunate to see his backheel squeal by means of a defender’s legs and into the web.
Neymar scored his 67th worldwide purpose in 19 minutes from the penalty spot within the second half after a fall in Danilo’s field.
Substitute Gabriel Barbosa made it three with two minutes remaining when he chested a cross from Neymar when the relentless Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper scored.
The Copa America was moved to Brazil with solely two weeks’ discover after co-hosts Colombia had been ousted as a result of a wave of civil unrest and Argentina pulled out as a result of a COVID-19 surge there. Still, after gamers or officers from three international locations have examined optimistic for the brand new coronavirus, Venezuela misplaced eight gamers and referred to as up one other 15 on the eve of the opener.
The adjustments imply Venezuela had two debutants in a line-up that included solely three gamers beginning a World Cup qualifier with Uruguay final Tuesday.
Venezuela has by no means crushed Brazil in a aggressive match, however on a wet night time in Brasilia they didn’t panic and had been extra blushed by a house aspect, though they by no means appeared like a loser, typically within the last of the sphere. Was ineffective within the third.
Richardson notably missed a sequence of half and full alternatives earlier than making means for Gabriel Barbosa in 65 minutes. “We knew we were going to come to a Venezuela that closed up shop and made it difficult for us to play,” Marquinhos mentioned. “But thank God we were able to score in the first half and that helped us.”
“We understand how necessary it’s to attain targets, particularly in a recreation like this. The first purpose right here is to open up the sport and power your opponent to play a little bit bit extra.”
Brazil’s subsequent recreation is towards Peru on June 17, whereas Venezuela will tackle Colombia on the identical day. Ecuador, the fifth group in Group B, will face Colombia on Sunday.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
