Copa America: Brazil edge past Venezuela into quarters without Neymar

Brazil were pushed all the way in their efforts to secure a Copa America quarter-final place, edging past Venezuela with an unconvincing and somewhat nervy 2-1 win.

With Colombia and Peru drawing earlier in the evening, a draw would have secured both Brazil and Venezuela’s passage into the tournament’s final eight - however, Dunga’s side claimed top spot in Group C with the victory - setting up a meeting with Paraguay.

Brazil came into their final group game of the Copa America without Neymar - who was handed a four-match suspension for his role in a post-match brawl in the mid-week defeat to Colombia.

Robinho was instead handed the starting place as the focal point of their attack.

Thiago Silva gave Brazil the lead with a thumping first half finish before Roberto Firmino doubled their advantage following a close-range finish following good work down the left wing by Willian. Mike’s late goal gave Venezuela hope of a fightback, but the Selecao just about held on.

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