BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil have opened the 2021 Copa America with a 3-0 win over a depleted Venezuela, dominating their inexperienced opponents from start to finish in a one-sided match.
Defender Marquinhos scored the opening goal midway through the first half when he was fortunate to see his backheel squirm through a defender’s legs and into the net.
Neymar netted his 67th international goal from the penalty spot 19 minutes into the second half after Danilo was felled in the box.
Substitute Gabriel Barbosa made it three with two minutes remaining when he chested home a cross from Neymar after the tireless Paris St Germain player had rounded the keeper.
The Copa America was moved to Brazil with just two weeks notice after co-hosts Colombia were removed due to a wave of civil unrest and Argentina pulled out because of a COVID-19 surge there.