Neymar shines as Brazil thrash Venezuela in Copa opener
Brazil s Neymar celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates. Photo: Reuters
AFP, Brasilia
AFP, Brasilia
Star forward Neymar netted a penalty and created a second as hosts Brazil eased to a 3-0 victory over a coronavirus-depleted Venezuela on Sunday in the opening match of the 2021 Copa America.
Center-back Marquinhos opened the scored midway through the first half and Gabriel sealed the win a minute from time.
In a tournament already delayed a year and moved from its original hosts Argentina and Colombia due to the pandemic, it was fitting that the coronavirus should take centre-stage right up to the tournament kick-off.
Played in front of an empty Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia due to COVID-19 restrictions, Brazil made light of the continent s minnows, who arrived with a makeshift side missing eight players ruled out after testing positive for coronavirus the day before.
Neymar helps Brazil cruise to Copa win over Covid-depleted Venezuela
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BRASÍLIA, June 14, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Star forward Neymar netted a penalty and created a second as hosts Brazil eased to a 3-0 victory over a coronavirus-depleted Venezuela on Sunday in the opening match of the 2021 Copa America.
Centre-back Marquinhos opened the scored midway through the first half and Gabriel Barbosa sealed the Group B win a minute from time.
In a tournament already delayed a year and moved from its original hosts Argentina and Colombia due to the pandemic, it was fitting that the coronavirus should take centre-stage right up to the tournament kick-off.