Brazil vs. Venezuela score: Marquinhos, Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa fire hosts to opening victory

It wasn't even close, though the scoreline should have been much greater

Brazil started off the Copa America with an easy 3-0 win over Venezuela in Group A on Sunday in a match that wasn't nearly as close as the scoreline, albeit uneven, would suggest. The hosts were wasteful, leading just 1-0 in the second half through a goal from Marquinhos in the first half. But a penalty kick in the 64th minute from Neymar, and then a goal from Gabriel Barbosa in the 89th minute saw Tite's team earn three deserved points. 

Brazil finished the day with 18 shots, seven on frame, but they missed so many clear chances to blow this one open early. Venezuela, dealing with double digit positive COVID tests in their side, competed well but produced just one shot on goal. 

Brazil had 62 percent possession, completed over 200 more passes than their opposition and never looked like they were in danger of even drawing, let alone losing. 

Here's the winning goal from Marquinhos:

With the win, Brazil move provisionally into first place in Group A ahead of Colombia vs. Ecuador, which face off later on Sunday. The reigning Copa champions return to the pitch on Thursday against Peru. Venezuela face Colombia, also on Thursday. 

Brazil 3, Venezuela 0 (FT)

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:57 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

FT! It's Brazil 3, Venezuela 0. 

Not close, but it really could have easily been 6-0, 7-0. Still, Brazil will take it, starting off the cup with three points. 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:50 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Brazil get their third! Gabigol finishes off a ball from Neymar in front of goal, using his chest to knock it in! Too easy. 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:45 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Neymar misses a great chance after a combo with Gabriel Barbosa, sending the ball just to the left of the frame. Looks like it was save as the ref signals a corner.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goal Neymar! He sends the goalkeeper the other way, finishing into the bottom right corner!

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:24 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

It's a penalty for Brazil after a clear foul in the box! Neymar to take it...

[Jun 13, 2021 at 6:16 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Second half starts like the first with Brazil on the front foot. Really feels like a goal is coming soon as Neymar misses from a foot out with a sliding effort.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:50 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

At the break, it's Brazil 1, Venezuela 0. 

The hosts have 9 shots to Venezuela's 3. Just a lack of sharpness in attack for Brazil, who should be up several. Still, a potentially big second half awaits for Tite's side, who will look to put this one away.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:42 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

As we approach half time, Venezuela have gotten forward a bit, but they rarely look like a threat. Brazil remain in total control and are looking for a second goal.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

There it is! Marquinhos scores for Brazil! The PSG man gets on the end of a corner kick and tucks away with a nifty finish! 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:22 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

20' Decent look there from Danilo from range, volleying a powerful shot right at the goalkeeper. Still surprising there hasn't been a breakthrough in the first 20 minutes. 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:16 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

No chances for Venezuela just yet. Not in sync at all as passing is way off. The pace and precision isn't there in the early going as 10 Brazilians sit in the opposing half.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:13 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Brazil knocking on the door big time in the early minutes as Eder Militao comes close to opening the scoring with a diving header. Some glorious chances for the hosts in the early going.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 5:01 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Kickoff just seconds away.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 4:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

About 40 minutes to go until kickoff. Seems nearly impossible for Venezuela to get a result out of this, considering the circumstances. The only way it seems possible is if somebody like Josef Martinez goes off for a hat trick, because Brazil are expected to run riot. But, getting that many goals would be breaking a trend. The Vinotinto have scored multiple goals in just one of their last six games.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 4:08 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

As for Venezuela, they have double digit positive COVID tests in their team, and they go from underdog to unlikely to even keep this close. Brazil could feast on a bunch of players who aren't normally a part of a national team that already struggles regularly. 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 4:07 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

After flirting with boycotting the competition after it was moved to Brazil, speaking out against CONMEBOL and the process of moving the cup to their country, Brazil appear locked in if recent form is any sign. They just beat Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifying and enter as the clear-cut favorites. But, will there be any distractions? Opposing confederation president Rogerio Caboclo, with president Jair Bolsonaro getting involved as well, could we see some type of action from the players that could impact their focus on the matches? 

Even if so, Brazil are a lock to make the knockout stage of the competition and should be well on their way to winning another Copa America. 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 4:03 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Brazil: Tite's team has so much quality in it that when you compare them to Venezuela, you can clearly see how this could get out of hand early. Brazil's top technical ability should create numerous chances in the first half, and Venezuela are going to need a superstar performance in goal to even sniff a draw. Brazil's defense should be able to dominate in the air and keep attackers in front of them, and if they do that, a victory with a clean sheet seems very likely.

Venezuela: The attack struggles so much, and somebody is going to have to be the creator and scorer. Could it be Atlanta United's Josef Martinez? With his pace and quality on the ball, he'll be counted on to do so, but he has just two goals for the national team since 2017. A recent loss to Bolivia shows just how long they can go, but a draw against Uruguay in their last match is something to build on. Expect them to struggle in attack but stay in some games ... just maybe not this one.

[Jun 13, 2021 at 3:37 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Viewing information

Date: Sunday, June 13 | Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia - Brasilia, Brazil
TV: Fox and TUDN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: Brazil -700; Draw +675; Venezuela +2000 (via William Hill Sportsbook) 

[Jun 13, 2021 at 3:34 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Copa America! Brazil host Venezuela in the opener, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. ET! I'm Roger Gonzalez, and I'll be providing updates throughout the match.