![CONMEBOL Copa América™](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.copaamerica.com%2F000_9C37PT.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The 2021 CONMEBOL Copa America kicked off with opening day wins for Colombia and reigning champions Brazil in Group B.
The party got underway in the safest way possible and the continent was rocking with the emotion of the world's oldest national team competition.
Brazil and Venezuela provided the curtain raiser with all three points going to the hosts. Once again the Seleção showed why they are considered by may to be tournaent favorites, reproducing their impressive World Cup qualifying form.
Venezuela were organized and competitive but the canarinha were able to produce an authoritative 3-0 win against the vinotinto at the Estadio Mané Garrincha in Brasilia.
Close range finishes from Marquinhos and Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa plus a Neymar penalty meant Brazil were able to take all three points against a spirited Venezuelan side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MjT-kqZP_A
The deadlock was eventually broken just before the break with an excellently worked freekick that was finished by the talented Boca midfielder Edwin Cardona.
It was either an intricately worked training ground routine or a moment of collective inspiration. Regardless of how the moment was conjoured it was a true golazo and one which would prove decisive.
Ecuador pushed for the equalizer in the second half but it proved difficult to get past the organized Colombian defense. Wilmar Barrios was in heroic form at the base of the midfield while Ospina was once again key.
Colombia ultimately were able to secure a narrow win to secure three hard-earned points and a strong start in Group B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk4PMYcWbYo
![](https://images.copaamerica.com/0c3855c7c385013f4e64f1df51127e1d9475695b-1024x716.jpg)
The numbers from the game
- Tite's Brazil has not conceded in six of the seven games in the Copa América (5wins, 2 losses). Peru are the only team to score against his side in this competition, with the Seleção coming out on top 3-1.
- Brazil have opened with victories in five of the six editions of the Copa América played in their country (1 draw). In 2019 they won 3-0 against Bolivia, the same result as in 2021 against Venezuela.
- Brazil extend their unbeaten streak against Venezuela in the Copa América to nine games (7 wins, 2 draws). During this period Brazil kept a clean sheet in 7 games.
- Neymar scored his 67th goal for Brazil. He is the second top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team and is now just 10 goals behind Pelé's record.
- Marquinhos scored his third goal for the Brazilian national team. In the three matches that he has scored Brazil have always won and never conceded. They secured a 5-0 win against Bolivia in Qualifiers, 5-0 against El Salvador in a friendly and this 3-0 victory against Venezuela.
![](https://images.copaamerica.com/000_9C3866-1024x683.jpg)