Copa America: Brazil kicked off Copa America 2021 with a 3-0 victory against Venezuela

Brazil kicked off Copa America 2021 with a 3-0 victory over Venezuela hit by COVID, while the strongly disputed match kicked off in Brasilia on Sunday.

Marquinhos, Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa gave the opening match at Mane Garrincha Stadium on Sunday, less than a day after many of the Venezuelan players tested positive for COVID-19.

The South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, chose Brazil as host two weeks ago, despite its worrying COVID-19 figures, after Argentina and Colombia were rejected as co-hosts.

Despite his opposition to the tournament in his home country, Casemiro, the Brazilian captain, said that the defending champions intended to keep their crown.

"It could be a close qualifying Copa America or World Cup, we play it to win," Casemiro said after his team's victory.

"'Venezuela had the idea to defend. They wanted to play a draw. But we were focused and were aggressive in the last third of the field. ” said Casemiro.

Venezuela called in 15 new players on short notice after eight group members tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, showing the disruption on the football field. Brazil got the scoring in the 23rd minute after a turning kick ended with Marquinhos hitting from close range.

Brazilian coach Tite - who was also questioned for holding the tournament - took Lucas Paqueta down at half-time, but kept Roberto Firmino on the bench. Instead, Everton entered Ribeiro and provided more dynamics on the right flank.

Ribeiro found Danilo on the right side of the box, and the Brazilian was pushed to the ground. Neymar quietly passed from the spot in the 63rd to make it 2-0.

Neymar dribbled past Graterol and went over to Barbosa to burst the ball into the empty net in the 89th to clinch the home side's victory.

Elsewhere, Edwin Cardona scored the only goal of the match as Colombia continued under pressure from the second half to start their Group B campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador.