Few would have expected a winner-takes-all matchup between Brazil and Venezuela in the final round of group games at this year's Copa America. Group C is an absolute stalemate, with all four teams currently locked on three points and enjoying a goal difference of zero. Peru's 1-0 win over Venezuela, who previously shocked Colombia by the same scoreline, ensures qualification for the knockout phase remains finely balanced. Brazil's 1-0 loss to Colombia is the tournament's most memorable game so far and could define the Selecao's progression—or lack thereof—against Noel Sanvicente's side. Here's all you need to know ahead of the encounter:
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 p.m. BST
TV Info: beIN Sports (U.S.), Premier Sports (UK)
Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect, Premier Player
Brazil in Search of New Leaders as Disaster Looms. Neymar showed his mercurial brilliance during the opening 2-1 win against Peru, scoring the side's first before setting Douglas Costa up with an excellent assist, highlighted by Complex UK: However, he struggled to overcome his hardships from the 2015 World Cup against Colombia. Whether the broken vertebrae from Juan Zuniga's flying challenge in last year's win played on his mind or not, the Barcelona man failed to keep his emotions in check throughout the recent defeat. This culminated with his sending off for kicking the ball at Los Cafeteros defender Pablo Armero, before appearing to weakly headbutt goalscorer Jeison Murillo after the final whistle, reported by Martin Domin of the MailOnline. While Forbes' Bobby McMahon noted Neymar was "unfortunate" to receive a caution before the interval, he described the 23-year-old's sudden rise in frustration after the break:
He could have easily have been sent off for three offences all occurring within two minutes. He tugged on the shoulder of the referee in the aftermath of the yellow card; then there was an aggressive tackle from behind shortly after, followed by a petulant display when the call went against him. Brazil's willingness to look to Neymar for inspiration was perhaps best summarised by his irritation appearing "to spread to others with several bumps, nudges and sly kicks happening off the ball," per McMahon. He was unable to play his natural game in a combative encounter, and Brazil ran out of ideas. Other individuals must now step up for Dunga's side. Neymar's ban means Roberto Firmino is likely to retain his place in attack, although he could move into a slightly deeper role to accommodate striker Diego Tardelli.
Firmino is a natural hard worker but can often have his well-rounded abilities overlooked when he is stationed deep in the opposition's half. He could provide greater influence by picking the ball up closer to the halfway line. He will need to quickly shake off the disappointment of missing an open goal against Colombia, highlighted by football writer Kyle Bonn: Philippe Coutinho injected probing creativity when he replaced Fred in the last fixture and needs to be given a starting spot if he returns to full fitness. Removing Willian may upset the side's balance, but Costa has already proven to be a match-winner in this tournament and may provide greater spark on the flank.
Dunga hasn't been able to replace the patrolling influence of holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, underlined by Fernandinho and Elias' struggle to maintain Colombia's pacey transitions through the centre. Casemiro will be hoping to stamp his authority on the big stage with a starting spot. So far, Venezuela have proven to be a highly driven team who possess considerable attacking threat through Salomon Rondon. However, Fernando Amorebieta's red card during the defeat to Peru may provide Brazil greater onus to attack through the middle. Quick, inter-linking play should be at the forefront of Dunga's tactics to break down a physical defence. Failing to qualify for the next round would be a disaster for Brazil—perhaps even worse than being eliminated from their own World Cup via a 7-1 defeat to Germany. All the pressure is on Dunga's men, as Venezuela hope to rumble on with the self-belief and confidence they've shown so far.
Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2500791-brazil-vs-venezuela-date-time-live-stream-and-2015-copa-america-preview
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