Stubborn Venezuela set to test Brazilian patience

Brazil are set to play their second match in Group A at the 2019 Copa America as they face Venezuela at the Arena Fonte Nova. In their previous match, the hosts managed to beat Bolivia 3-0 without their controversial talisman Neymar, who was out of the tournament for injury. On the other hand, Venezuela somehow managed to salvage a goalless draw against Peru in their previous match, and that too with a man down in the last 15 minutes. Though the hosts are heavy favourites to add another three points to their tally, Venezuela would be more than thrilled to spoil the party.

Game Week 1   

Brazil: Though they got a good result in their opening match, it was hardly enough to create some positive buzz, especially when you are Brazil and the tournament is at your own back yard. A scoreless first half saw the Seleção being booed as they exited the field. A brace from Philippe Coutinho at the beginning of the second half and Everton adding a third just five minutes before full-time was more than enough to secure three points after a lacklustre first half.

Venezuela: The Vinotinto on the other hand have some confidence after their opening against Peru, where the Peruvians did everything other than scoring a goal. With Luis Del Pino receiving his marching orders after being booked for the second time in the 75th min, they were saved by Wuilker Farinez in goal. The highly-rated young goalkeeper and sought out talent in the European transfer market used his cat-like reflexes to frustrate the like of Jefferson Farfán and Paolo Guerrero.

Team News

Fernandinho and Casemiro both started in Brazil's midfield against Bolivia and are likely to start against Venezuela as well. Though Everton scored off the bench against Bolivia, he might have to wait a little bit longer for his first start of the tournamnet. The only change coming to the Brazalian XI might be Gabriel Jesus coming in for Roberto Firmino.

Venezuelans are forced into at least one change after Luis Del Pino was sent off against Peru in their opening fixture. Roberto Rosales may move out to left-back with Ronald Hernández coming into the side at right-back.

Stats

Brazil will look to consolidate their hold at the top of Group A and a win here would see them through to the knockout stage. Venezuela earned a 0-0 draw with Peru in their group opener and they are in the hunt for a second place finish but they will have to wait until the final game for that. Both teams had faced each other in six previous meeting with Brazil coming on top on three ocassion with the rest being goalless draws, and Brazil have kept four clean sheets in those six matches.