xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Defending champions Brazil kick started its Copa America 2021 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Venezuela in Brasilia on Sunday. Marquinhos (23’), Neymar Jr. (64’ penalty) and Gabriel Barbosa (89’) were on target for the hosts.

The Selecao opened the scoring in the 23rd minute from a set piece movement with Marquinhos finding the back of the net from a corner. The hosts could have been 2-0 ahead in next two minutes had the goal scored by Richarlison not been cancelled for off side.  Neymar came close to scoring at the half hour mark but his shot from the top of the box narrowly missed the target. He got another opportunity to score in the 52^nd minute when he failed to connect a perfect low cross from Gabriel Jesus.

Neymar finally found the target in the 64^th minute from a spot kick, sending Graterol the wrong way and coolly rolling the ball into the bottom right corner. The hosts were awarded the penalty after Danilo was brought down by Yohan Cumana inside the box.

Gabriel Barbosa made it 3-0 for the hosts after chesting home a Neymar cross in the 89th minute, thereby sealing a comprehensive win for the home side.

Brazil will next meet Peru in Group A clash on Thursday.