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Brazil defeated Venezuela 2-1 in Santiago to eliminate Noel Sanvicente’s side, the result means Colombia will qualify for the Copa America quarter finals through finishing 3rd place. This game was Brazil’s best of the competition so far, despite being without star player Neymar; the Barcelona superstar is suspended for four games due to being sent off in the last game against Colombia, the ban could potentially be reduced to three games, therefore Neymar could make the final if Brazil are to get there.
Brazil took the lead just 9 minutes into the game, Robinho’ corner from the right hand side was volleyed home from defender Thiago Silva; giving Alain Baroja no chance. The best possible start from the Brazilian who were looking to bounce back from their disappointing outing against Colombia which ended Dunga’s 100% record since taking over for the second time.
Robinho came close to doubling the lead for Brazil as he got on the end of Dani Alves’ delivery but his half-volley sailed just over the bar, Venezuela lucky not to be 2-0 down inside 15 minutes.
Brazil were the dominant side in the first half with Robinho looking a real threat. The Brazilian charged forward in the 38th minute and found Willian; the Chelsea man close to scoring from distance but his low effort was palmed away from Baroja.
Venezuela came close to equalising right on half time but Gabriel Cichero’s cross was angled to the back post, however, the ball curled out of play.
Brazil looked a lot better in the first half despite being without Neymar, with the 1-0 lead putting them top of the group and eliminating Venezuela.
Thiago Silva came really close to getting his and Brazil’s second of the game in the 49th minute, Willian sent in a corner and Silva fired his header towards the bottom corner but Baroja done well to get low quickly and save it.
Moments later, Brazil got their second of the game. Brazil with good play to switch play to the left hand side to Willian, he beats his man easily and crosses to Roberto Firmino who tapped home from close range.
Juan Arango was close to halving Brazil’s lead in the 56th minute from a free kick but his effort was tipped around the post from Jefferson in the Brazil goal, Arango is renowned for his abilities from free kicks and he nearly got Venezuela back in the game.
The pace of the game slowed down as Brazil looked to hold onto their lead and not allow Venezuela back into the game, with Brazil looking to hit them on the counter attack.
Brazil came close to getting their third of the game, Willian sending in a corner which was half cleared by Venezuela, Marquinhos heads back into the area and David Luiz tries his luck with an acrobatic effort, Baroja was alert to stop the effort.
Venezuela got a goal back in the 84th minute to make the last few minutes tense, Juan Arango once again causing problems from set pieces, his effort from outside the box was superbly kept out from Jefferson but Miku was first to reaction and head in the rebound. Venezuela now needed just one more goal to go through and eliminate Colombia.
Miku had a good chance to equalise for Venezuela but was centimeters away from connection his header following a cross from the left from Martinez, Miku was only yards out and if he could have reached the ball he would have surely leveled the game in the last minute of stoppage time.
Brazil with the victory to ensure their place at the top of the group and to sent Venezuela home at the group stages; Colombia remain in the competition as this result confirms their place in third place in Group C.
