Highlights: Brazil beat Venezuela 2-1 to top group and qualify for Copa America quarter-finals
A Neymar-less Brazil qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa America after beating Venezuela 2-1 in the final group stage match at the Monumental David Arellano Stadium in Santiago on Sunday night. The win ensured the Selecao would top the group while Venezuela were eliminated from the competition.
Thiago Silva scored the first goal as early as the ninth minute after Robinho sent in a delivery from a corner kick that found the PSG defender near the penalty spot. The 30-year-old volleyed it first time straight down the middle to beat the goalkeeper and score.
Brazil had a couple of chances in the first half when Robinho came close after Dani Alves sent in a cross. His shot from outside the box just curled over the bar. Willian also managed to dance into the box on one occasion only to have the goalkeeper save his shot.
They then doubled the lead in the second half when Willian set up Roberto Firmino. The Chelsea man’s cross with the outside of the boot found the 23-year-old Hoffenheim midfielder who volleyed home from the edge off the six-yard box.
Venezuela scored a consolation goal from a set piece situation when Brazil goalkeeper Jeffferson dove to save Juan Arango's free kick. But he could only manage to tip the ball towards the post and Miku scored with a diving header.
Brazil will now play Paraguay in the quarter-final on Saturday.