Soccer
  • Home
  • Football
  • Brazil vs Venezuela: Tite's men bidding for strong Copa America start

Brazil vs Venezuela: Tite's men bidding for strong Copa America start

Brazil expects when it comes to the Copa America, and they are unlikely to accept anything less than a win against Venezuela in their opener.

When: Sunday June 13, 22:00 GMT

Where: Estadio Nacional de Brasila

How to watch: BBC red button

Best Bets

Brazil to win 3-0 at 9/2 (Sky Bet)

Roberto Firmino to score first goal at 7/2 (Bet365)

Draw half-time/Brazil full-time at 13/5 (Paddy Power)

Brazil start their Copa America campaign in good form after winning all six of their World Cup qualifiers so far.
They face a Venezuela side in a very different position, although that makes them dangerous on account of having nothing to lose in Brasilia.

Last three meetings

Brazil 1-0 Venezuela (Qualifier - November 13, 2020)
There is a relatively recent meeting between the sides and it shows how tough Venezuela can make things for Brazil at the Copa America.
Despite enjoying home advantage, Brazil were made to work incredibly hard for their win, although it being played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions is likely to have helped the visitors.

The only goal came courtesy of Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino, who settled matters in the 67th minute.

Brazil 0-0 Venezuela (Copa America - June 18, 2019)
Brazil also have recent bad memories of facing Venezuela at the Copa itself.
Just two years ago, Tite's side were again frustrated by the resolute underdogs, who this time were able to stand firm and secure a point.
Venezuela 0-2 Brazil (Qualifier - October 11, 2016)
There were far fewer nasty surprises for Brazil in 2016 when they faced Venezuela, with Tite's troops running out comfortable winners.

On the day it was the Premier League stars who grabbed the goals, first Manchester City man Gabriel Jesus and then Willian.

Former Newcastle and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon was a threat for the hosts, but they never looked likely to win it.

Brazil looking great right now

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Brazil always look great, but we mean they are looking especially good at the moment, even by their usual standards.
This month they have already picked up two World Cup qualifier wins to extend their perfect record, first beating Ecuador 2-0 and then Paraquay by the same scoreline.
More impressive, though, was a 2-0 away win at Uruguay back in November.

They have all the depth of quality you'd expect from a Brazil squad. Neymar is obviously the star man, but he is one of a plethora of mouth-watering options for Tite.

Neymar signs new PSG deal and eyes Champions League glory

Venezuela true minnows

There is little doubt that Venezuela are one of the minnows in the competition, but that's fine. All tournaments need them and they usually enhance the tournament in one way or another.
If you are looking for star quality in the Venezuela squad, you may be looking for a while.

MLS stars Junior Moreno (DC United), Josef Martiniez (NY Red Bulls), and Josef Martinez (Atlanta United) are about as close as they come, as well as experienced Torina schemer Tomas Rincon.

International head-to-head

Brazil wins: 22

Draws: 3

Venezuela wins: 2

Goalscorer bets

Let's face it: the goalscorer markets are all about Brazil here considering Venezuela have scored just two goals in this fixture in the last 16 years.
There is every chance that Neymar will find his way onto the scoresheet, but at 15/8 for the first goal he may not be the best value.

Perhaps look instead to Roberto Firmino, who is more enticing at 7/2.

READ MORE: Finland earn landmark win after Christian Eriksen collapse

More Articles