Copa America 2021: Brazil march on, Chile face ‘barber’ fine

Copa America, the world's oldest soccer tournament, is another delayed continental event now taking place in addition to Euro 2020.

Monday, 21st June 2021

Copa America 2021: Brazil march on, Chile face ‘barber’ fine

Copa America, the world's oldest soccer tournament, is another delayed continental event now taking place in addition to Euro 2020. The tournament, which was delayed due to last year's coronavirus pandemic, was awarded to Brazil just two weeks before the start. The government has faced much opposition, not only because of the swift decision but also its impact on Brazil, which reported nearly 18 million cases of the coronavirus, including more than 501,000 deaths, the second-highest in the world. What is happening on the field? Brazil's hosts made their title defence a perfect start and scored seven goals without conceding in their two matches so far. They beat Venezuela 3-0 in the tournament before beating Peru 4-0. On Sunday, Peru beat Colombia 2-1 due to a Yerry Mina own goal to keep alive its chance to advance to the knockout stages. Peru entered the final of the last Copa America but have since won just two of their 12 matches. The result puts Peru in third place in Group B with five teams with three points from two matches, one behind Colombia, who played more. The leaders in Brazil have a maximum of 6 points, while Venezuela, who drew 2-2 with Ecuador on Sunday, have 2 points from 3 games. Argentina drew 1-1 with Chile Uruguay in their opening match on Friday, all because of Guido Rodriguez goal to maintain their winning run to 15 matches. Martins banned for criticizing organizers Bolivia striker Marcelo Martins was halted for one match and fined $ 20,000 by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) after criticizing the organization for pitting Copa America in the midst of a pandemic offered. Martins was one of three players in Bolivia to test positive for COVID-19 ahead of their 3-1 opening loss to Paraguay. He missed the match and posted a few sharp words on social media about CONMEBOL's last moment to host the tournament in Brazil. "Thank you for this CONMEBOL," Martins wrote on Instagram. 'All your fault is the fault. If someone were to die, what would you do ??? The only thing that matters to you is MONEY. Is the life of a player worth nothing? He declined to comment and apologized, but CONMEBOL banned the 34-year-old from playing the match against Chile in Bolivia. Since Martins made the remarks, two more players in Bolivia have tested positive for COVID-19. The Brazilian Ministry of Health said 27 players and officials had tested positive for coronavirus so far.