Brazil 0-0 Venezuela: Underdogs Pull Off Shocking Draw

Venezuela delivered the surprise of day two of Copa America as they managed to hold Brazil to a scoreless draw .If the first three days of Copa America have taught us anything it is that we have no idea what to expect. The tournament started with hosts Argentina having to scrap and claw for a draw against Bolivia. That was a shocker, no doubt, but the Argentinean are prone to head-scratching performances. Brazil? They're the sure thing. They're the dominant team in South America, having won four of the last five Copa Americas. On Sunday though, Brazil wasn't the sure thing as Venezuela stymied the Selecao attack to get a 0-0 draw in the opening match of Group B.

Brazil started the game lively and almost got the opener in the first minute of the game when Robinho was released outside the box, but saw his finish saved by Vega in goal for Venezuela. Moments later Pato was flagged for offside just as he was about to finish past the goalkeeper after a through-ball by Neymar. Brazil was utterly dominant in the first half and only Lady Luck kept Venezuela from going down multiple goals. Multiple times it looked as if the Brazilians had a clear crack at goal only to see the shot take a slight deflection and end up in the stands. Pato ripped a shot from 15 yards that had the goalkeeper just watching in awe, but the shot rattled the crossbar and bounced away harmlessly. In the final attack of the first period Neymar missed a great chance as he fired high from inside the box under no pressure at all. The tempo dropped in the second half as both teams started playing defensively, waiting for a chance to hit on counter. Brazil in particular was lacking the urgency they had in the early minutes of the game, and did not look like a team chasing the three points The first real opportunity after the break came to Brazil when in the 55th minute Pato superbly released himself with back heel in the centre of the box, but Vega rushed off his line and claimed the ball ahead of the striker.

Meanwhile, Venezuela put a little but more liveliness in their attack. They were cautious and picked their spots, but twice almost scored on crosses that just barely missed a streaking attacker. In the end, Brazil was forced into long balls to no one in particular. Venezuela may have been lucky to escape the first half unscathed, but they were solid in the second half and did their bit to earn a shocking 0-0 draw.

Brazil will continue their Copa America on July 9 in Cordoba against Paraguay, while Venezuela will face Ecuador on the same day in Salta. Brazil and Venezuela each have one point in Group B now, while Paraguay and Ecuador will play Sunday evening to kick off their tournaments.