Copa America: Samba Boys Aim For More Copa Glory

Brazil vs Venezuela

They are everyone’s favourite “other” team. The Samba Boys with the sexy swagger that only Brazil can produce – or so a generation of fans was brought up to believe.

As the Selecao begin their defence of the Copa America, however, the fact is that hasn’t been the case for some time.

Even the 1994 World Cup winning side was as functional as it was full of flair, while the respective classes of 2014 and 2018 encountered World Cup exits which shook a nation to its core.

Firstly, the home humiliation by Germany in the World Cup semifinal.

Secondly, the quarterfinal exit against a Belgium side which had only once before reached the last four.

Perhaps it is because of those World Cup woes that a sizable chunk of pragmatism has been added to the current crop.

So when Brazil bid to make more Copa America 2021 highlights and defend the title they won in 2019 beginning this Sunday, it continues to be a small part of the recovery process with the pain of their recent past still raw when you scratch below the surface.

Talking Points

Defending champion Brazil eyes a Copa America victory against Valenzuela — Brazil’s Neymar with teammates celebrates their first goal scored by Richarlison

The Estádio Nacional de Brasília is the venue for their tournament opener, a tournament moved to their homeland after the South American Football Confederation replaced Argentina as hosts less than a fortnight before it was due to begin.

It had been scheduled to take place in Argentina and Colombia, the first time in its 105-year history with joint hosts, but both missed out.

While the exact nature of the circumstances were not disclosed, Argentina is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, prompting the government to mandate a strict new lockdown.

So it’s to Brazil, who are on a run of seven straight victories with six five clean sheets in the process, and who have looked impressive at times.

That included in midweek when goals from Neymar – the poster boy of a nation who has yet to live up to his billing in the famous yellow shirt – and Lucas Paqueta were on target in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Paraguay.

Brazil had not beaten Paraguay away from home since 1985 but ended that record to extend their lead at the top of the South America qualifying table.

With Neymar on form – who has five goals and three assists in their six qualifying games so far as well as 66 goals in 105 games for Brazil – this Sunday’s clash should be overcome with a bit to spare.

Venezuela, who are joint bottom of the qualifying group, reached the quarterfinals of the tournament two years ago and will certainly not be expected to go any further this time around.

They showed spirit in holding Uruguay to a draw in midweek and, with their World Cup qualification hopes pretty slim, they will be keen to make an impression but should not trouble the established big boys of South American football.

Brazil coach Tite has been under scrutiny over the past week and his relationship with the Brazil Football Federation is not the strongest with some believing he will leave his job before the Copa America starts.

That is doubtful. The players appear to be playing for him and the Copa America holders should have too much class for Venezuela.

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Copa America 2021

History

Amazingly, when they met for the very first time in a friendly in the United States in 1959, Venezuela put five past the then world champions in a 5-3 win.

They’ve only beaten then once since then, however, and that was another friendly in 2008.

The other 25 meetings have resulted in 22 Brazilian victories and three draws.

The most recent clash last November saw Brazil edge out a 1-0 victory in a qualifier for next year’s World Cup – with Roberto Firmino scoring the only goal in Sao Paulo.

Betting Tip

	Brazil vs Venezuela	Brazil First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.19
	June 14, 5:00(GMT+8)

How can you not back Brazil?

The SBOTOP Copa America 2021 betting odds back them 1X2 @ 1.19, First Half 1X2 @ 1.57, Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.06, -2.25 @ 2.44 and First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.35.

A win for Venezuela would earn you a massive payday 1X2 @ 12.00, First Half 1×2 @ 10.50, Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.20 and First Half Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.06.

How about over 3.00 goals @ 2.28, total goal 0-1 @ 3.80, 4-6 @ 3.05, or a rerun of their last meeting – correct score 1-0 – @ 5.40?

If Venezuela can grab a rare draw then the odds of 1X2 Draw @ 6.8 or Double Chance Venezuela or Draw @ 4.40 will capture your attention.