Defending champions Brazil have kicked off the Copa America with a 3-0 win over a depleted Venezuela, overwhelming their inexperienced opponents from start to finish in a one-sided match.
Defender Marquinhos scored the opening goal midway through the first half when he was fortunate to see his backheel squirm through a defender's legs and into the net.
Neymar netted his 67th international goal from the penalty spot 19 minutes into the second half after Danilo was felled in the box.
Substitute Gabriel Barbosa made it three with two minutes remaining when he chested home a cross from Neymar, who had rounded the goalkeeper.
The Copa America was moved to Brazil with just two weeks notice after co-hosts Colombia were removed due to a wave of civil unrest and Argentina pulled out because of a COVID-19 surge.
Nevertheless, players or officials from three countries have tested positive for the new coronavirus, with Venezuela losing eight players and calling up another 15 on the eve of the opener.
The changes meant Venezuela had two debutants in a line-up that included just three of the players who began their World Cup qualifier with Uruguay last Tuesday.
Venezuela have never beaten Brazil in a competitive match but they were not overawed on a rainy night in Brasilia.
"We knew we were going to come across a Venezuela that shut up shop and make it difficult for us to play," Marquinhos said.
"But thanks be to God we were able to score in the first half and that helped us."
Brazil's next game is against Peru while Venezuela take on Colombia, who scrapped their way to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
The only goal in Sunday's late game coming from a beautifully choreographed free-kick straight off the training ground.
Edwin Cardona scored three minutes from halftime when he started and finished a move that involved deft touches from two other players.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside but that decision was reversed after a review by the VAR.
Ecuador had by far the better of the second half but they could not get the goal their pressure deserved.
Australian Associated Press
