Hosts Brazil started their Copa America title defence with a rousing performance against COVID-affected Venezuela early Monday morning at National Stadium, Brasilia. (More Football News)
The Group A match witnessed Venezuela fielding a second-string XI with just five international goals among them. Twelve of Venezuela's players and coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the match.
Nine-time winners Brazil, who won their first Copa America title 12 years ago in 2019, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a scrambled effort from a corner.
Neymar then scored his 67th international goal from the spot in the 64th minute, after Yohan Cumana fouled Danilo. But the Paris Saint-Germain star missed a golden to increase the lead as he shot wide after breaking through the Venezuela defence.
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The former Barcelona forward however showed his brilliance by setting up Gabriel Barbosa for the third goal in the 89th minute.
In another Group A match, Colombia defeated Ecuador by a solitary Edwin Cardona strike in the 42nd minute at Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.
Brazil next play Peru in a repeat of 2019 final on Friday after Colombia vs Venezuela clash the same day.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's Argentina start their campaign with a Group B fixture against Chile in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (2:30 AM IST), while Paraguay face Bolivia in the late kick-off (5:30 AM IST) in Goiania.
