The Copa America continues to be a dud. After Argentina was held to a surprise 1-1 draw (could have been a worse outcome if not for the brilliant Aguero), it is now defending champion Brazil’s turn to draw a blank.

Brazil were expected to go with all guns blazing, fielding a full strength team. Neymar, Pato, Robinho and Ganso – Brazil’s famed attack – all failed to impress.

The opening minutes were as expected, with Ganso dictating play and Brazil in command.  A resolute Venezuelan defence stopped the attack, and the game started slipping away from the “Selecao”.

The two best chances of the game went to the AC Milan pair Robinho and Pato, and both spurned their chances. While Pato could only hit the cross-bar, Robinho’s shot was blocked on the line.

Fred, Elano and Lucas were brought on to inject life into the dying game, but nothing came out of them. Mano Menezes’ team, like their arch rivals Argentina failed to impress. Pato looked frustrated after the first half and Robinho was wasteful in front of the goal.

In demand youngster Neymar – whose future has been the headlines for a month now – was exquisite at times, but failed to maintain his consistency.

And during the final quarter Brazil found themselves under pressure as Venezuela counter-attacked sharply while Brazil looked desperately for a hurried for a winner. Juan Arango failed to capitalise after being set up on the edge of the Brazil box. Tomas Rincon was also off target.

Neymar attempted to win it late for Brazil but Venezuela held out for a deserved draw, one which will surely be remembered as one of their historical results.

With Paraguay and Ecuador also failing to hit the net in the following match, the Copa America has seen just 2 goals in 3 matches.

Tags: Brazil, Ciudad de La Plata, Copa America, Football, Venezuela