Brazil beat Venezuela and finished top
A 2–1 win that secured a semifinal clash against the runner-up of Group A.
- Brazil finished the Group Stage unbeaten.
- Pito and Matheus scored the goals for Brazil.
Both teams had already secured qualification: Venezuela were the first to do so, after defeating Bolivia on matchday four, while Brazil qualified even before kick-off thanks to the draw between Colombia and Chile.
In the 4th minute, following a kick-in, Marlon produced a brilliant backheel and Pito finished superbly to give the defending champions the lead.
Venezuela grew into the game and, in the second half, attacking with a flying goalkeeper, conceded Brazil’s second goal: Matheus won the ball and fired a first-time shot into the Vinotinto net. In the final play of the match, Gelvez pulled one back for Venezuela.
The win saw Brazil finish top of Group B and they will face the runner-up of Group A in Saturday’s semifinal. Venezuela, who finished second, will take on the Group A winners on the same day.
Line-ups
Brazil (2): 1-Matheus, 4-Marlon, 6-Cleber, 10-Pito, 11-Marcel.
Substitutes: 3-Willian, 2-Lucão, 5-João Victor, 7-Dyego (C), 8-Richard, 9-Rocha, 12-Arthur, 13-Rafa Santos, 14-Felipe Valério.
Head coach: Marquinhos Xavier.
Venezuela (1): 12-José Villalobos, 4-Greydelvid Teran, 9-Carlos Vento, 11-Kevin Briceño, 13-Saimond Francia.
Substitutes: 1-Robert Pérez, 2-Allen Viloria, 3-Oscar Fernández, 5-Michael Gelvez, 6-Victor Carreño, 7-Jesús Viamonte, 8-Brayan Sandoval, 10-Rafael Morillo (C), 14-Ricxon Arguello.
Head coach: Robinson Romero.
Goals
1st half: 4’ Pito (BRA). Halftime: Brazil 1-0 Venezuela
2nd half: 12’ Matheus (BRA), 20’ Gelvez (VEN). Full time: Brazil 2-1 Venezuela
Bookings
Yellow card: Morillo (VEN)
Referee: Fausto Vigano (Argentina)
