Brazil will be hoping that they can secure a quarter-final spot with victory against Venezuela in Salvador.
The hosts opened their tournament account with a 3-0 win over Bolivia whilst Venezuela managed to hold on for a goalless draw against Peru.
The expectant Brazilian fans made their feelings clear by booing and jeering their team following a flat and nervy first half against Bolivia.
Despite Coutinho’s second-half double and Everton’s late wonder strike, the fans expected a more dominant display in their opening match and will be hoping for a convincing win against Venezuela.
Venezuela came into their match with Peru as slight underdogs but the two sides were relatively evenly matched.
Venezuela were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes still to play when defender Luis Mago picked up a second yellow card, but they managed to prevent Peru from scoring.
They defended brilliantly in the second half and 21-year-old goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez produced some heroics between the sticks to keep his team in the game.
Despite the 50/50 possession, Venezuela managed 6 less shots than Peru and will consider themselves fortunate to have come away from the match with a point.
Brazil had 74% of the ball possession in their opening match and registered 20 goal attempts compared with Bolivia’s 5. They also managed 3 times more passes than their opponents.
They appeared to cope well without star man Neymar. Whilst they undoubtedly lacked some creativity, Coutinho stepped up and scored twice to ease the nerves.
Time will tell how Brazil will manage without their talisman as the tournament progresses however, they have an abundance of attacking quality in their squad.
A #SeleçãoBrasileira já está em Salvador para o 2º jogo da Copa América, contra a Venezuela. Vem ver os bastidores da viagem para a capital baiana!🇧🇷 x 🇻🇪 - 18/06 - 21h30 | #JogaBola pic.twitter.com/W1n2UW8O9F— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 16, 2019
A #SeleçãoBrasileira já está em Salvador para o 2º jogo da Copa América, contra a Venezuela. Vem ver os bastidores da viagem para a capital baiana!🇧🇷 x 🇻🇪 - 18/06 - 21h30 | #JogaBola pic.twitter.com/W1n2UW8O9F
Venezuela’s attacking quality rests mainly with Saloman Rondon. He bagged 11 Premier League goals last season for Newcastle United and his country will be relying on him to cause Brazil a few problems.
Brazil have only lost twice in 25 meetings between the two sides over the years. Venezuela last beat them with a 2-0 friendly victory in 2008, ending Brazil’s 17-game winning streak against them, dating back to 1969.
Brazil are stronger than Venezuela in every department and should cruise to a comfortable win as they continue their search for a first Copa America title since 2007.