Copa America: Brazil and Colombia make perfect starts – originally posted on Sportslens.com
In amongst all the Euro 2020 hype, it can be easy to forget about the other major tournament going on right now.
South America’s finest are competing for the crown in the Copa America, which has been through a lot to get going. It was initially scheduled to be hosted a year earlier before the COVID-19 pandemic, and was supposed to be comprised of 12 teams.
However, Australia and Qatar pulled out due to the virus, and the tournament was delayed. Furthermore, Colombia and Argentina had to forfeit their hosting rights, with the competition once again being played in Brazil.
Here is how things went on the opening day of the Copa America.
Brazil 3-0 Venezuela
The hosts kicked off the tournament with a fixture against a much weakened Venezuela side, whose squad had been devastated by COVID-19.
The reserves put up a respectable fight, but were helpless against Brazil’s selection of superstars. Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos opened the scoring with a scrappy goal from a corner, and club teammate Neymar made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the second half.
Star man Neymar was influential again in the 90th minute, rounding the goalkeeper before squaring for substitute Gabriel Barbosa for a tap in.
Colombia 1-0 Ecuador
Elsewhere in Group B, Colombia took on Ecuador for their first game of the tournament.
It was a close contest, with both sides coming close on many occasions. However, it was settled by just the one goal, when Edwin Cardona converted from a beautifully worked set piece routine just before half time.
The three points takes Colombia to second in the group from five, with Peru still yet to play.
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Author:charliestewart