Salvador stalemate as Brazil see VAR rule out two goals
Brazil vs Venezuela: Copa América 2019 live updates
A frustrating night at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador was epitomised for Brazil by two goals that were overruled after VAR checks.
The tempo tonight was improved from the host nation after Friday's performance, but in Venezuela, Tite's men came up against a well drilled and disciplined unit who were well marshalled in defensive duties.
After a first half were neither goalkeeper was really called into action, the introduction of Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus gave Brazil added impetus.
It was the City player who had the ball in the net but after consultation with VAR, Chilean official Bascuñan ruled out the strike.
Once again in the 87th minute, video technology saved a point for Venezuela when Coutinho's effort too was overruled.
The point does see Brazil top Group A and a win or draw against Peru will be enough for the Seleção to progress as group winners.
Final score at the Arena Fonte Nova
A solid point for "La Vinotinto" who now face Bolivia on Saturday. At the same time, Brazil face Peru with a point enouigh for Tite's men to win Group A
All over in Salvador de Bahia. Stalemate with two Brazil goals chalked off after VAR consultation.
That's it as Mr. Bascuñan sounds the final whistle
Last gasp for Brazil as they win a corner... Fernandinho heads inches wide
Another 2' to be added
Venezula now wasting time with players feigning injury to buy time with more time to be added.
Brazil maintain the pressure. Everton has looked bright again tonight and Tite may look to start the Gremio man against Peru.
Filipe Luis drives a left footed effort which passes everyone by and drifts out for a corner
Very much the image of the night!
Well have 7...seven minutes of added time.
Figuera carded
Two bouts of bad luck for Brazil with VAR ruling out two goals.
Debate still exists if the goal was chalked off for an offside or a possible handball....
No goal ! Offside ...frustration for Brazil and the fans are far from happy
A possible offisde?
Great work from Everton who drills the ball into the box
Martinez finally on with Rondon making way for the atlanta United striker
Salvador fans now getting restless with a series of whistles ringing out. Plenty of passing from the men in yellow but lacking any real penetration.
Just over 5' remaining ....
Figuera in trouble as play is held up
Josef Martinez set to make an appearance. The MLS striker coming on imminently
A draw is not essentially a bad result for either side. It does mean that the final game between Brazil and Peru could dictate the group winners.
Brazil go close with Gabriel Jesus appealing for a spot kick. Ref. says "no go" and waves play on.
Change for Venezuela: Figuera on / Machis off
Alisson Becker has been a virtual spectator in this second half.
15' to go ...Can Brazil find a way through the burgundy wall?
Everton on for Neres (BRA)
A volley of cheers rings out at the stadium as Everton warms up on the sideline
Arthur strikes from long range but watches his shot clears the crossbar. A figure like Neymar would be ideal for Brazil now.
Venezuals sitting even deeper now inviting Brazil to pile on the pressure ...a dangerous game !
Brazil win another corner but Fariñez claims with ease.
Change for Venezuela: No. 6 Herrera off with Soteldo his replacement
A let-off for Venezuela but Gabriel Jesus really has given the home side a fresh impetus.
Verdict: Offside ...no goal...As we were
A sucpicion of offside in the build-up to the goal
Not that much for Brazil fans to get too excited about so far
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Fernandinho on and Casemiro off (Brazil)
Gabriel Jesus again as the striker trues to curl the ball into the corner,.
Fernandinho poised to come on
Coutinho has been quiet for Brazil tonight with Gabriel Jesus seeing more of the ball in the little time the City player has been on the pitch.
Brazil try and intricate passing move but still no way through. One feels that the level of frustration among local fans will grwo as the game remains goalless.
Brazil free-kick. Firmino over-hits and the ball drifts out for a goal kick for Venezuela.
Firmino shoots and loses his boot in the process. Those new laceless boots !
Jesus on the ball with the City player playing in more of a right winger role.
The Manchester City player did make an impact when coming on as a sub Friday last in the Group A opener vs. Bolivia.
Venezuela start the second half.
Change at the break for Brazil: Gabriel Jesus on for Richarlison
Both teams making their way back to the Arena Fonte Nova pitch.
Nice graphic from our colleagues in AS Mexico !
Completed passes in the first half: BRA 90%-69% VEN
Half time score in Salvador de Bahia
That's it. Mr Bascuñan calls time on the half. No score here in Salvador at the break and no real recrimination from the local fans.
We'll have one minute of added time
Brazil have been good for the past ten minutes or so but still unable to find a way past the burgundy wall.
Brazil were jeered off on Friday at Morumbi with the game vs. Bolivia tied at 0-0 aty the internal. What's in store for Tite's men here in Salvador?
Casemiro carded for a dagerous challenge
7' to go. No score!
The ball is in the Venezuela net but the Chilean ref. has ruled the effort out. A possible foul by Firmino?
Murillo carded for a stamp on Filipe Luis
Less than 10' remaining in Salvador and Venezula doing an admirable job in holding Brazil at bay
Fouls committed: BRA 4-7 VEN
David Neres of Brazil reacts during the Copa America Brazil 2019 group A match between Brazil and Venezuela
Brazil win a free-kick which Alves is poised to take but fails to get proper purchase on the ball as it tamely hits the wall. Nothing resembling a real, open cut goal scoring chance with Rondon's effort the best of the night so far.
Venezuela attack again but Alisson gathers and starts an attack with swift delivery to Arthur Melo.
Nothing to bother this butterfly perched on the Arena Fonte Nova nets so far.
Machis and Rondon combine yet again and earn another corner for their side. Venezuela are looking good as Machis forces Becker into action!
Brazil XI ahead of the game
Corner for Venezuela but the delivery is poor and Brazil clear. A similar pattern to Friday's game in Sao Paolo. Brazil on top but failing to carve out clear-cut chances. Venezuela are, however infinitely better than Bolivia.
Venezuela seem to have ridden the early storm and are now starting to ease their way into the action.
After 20'
Rondon almost silences the Salvador crowd as his effort grazes the post marcshalled by Alisson Becker
Brazil bossing the show in terms of possession: 77-23 (%)
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- 75%24%
Neres goes close as his left foot drive blazes inches wide
Venezuela semingly content to soak up the pressure and look to strike on the counter.
Danger again as Brazil press again. Neres fires a teasing ball across the Vinotinto goal mouth but just too strong for any team mates to latch on to.
Alves swings over a delightful ball but the Vinotinto clear and then launch a lightning counter. Great tempo to the match as Richarlison drives a dangerous ball across the face of the Venezuela goal.
There are swathes of empty seats pitch side sadly at the Arena Fonte Nova. Pretty embarising for CONMEBOL
Neres almost finds Firmino but Osorio is on hand to clear for the visitors.
Brazil fans getting in the mood at the start of the game
Patient start from both sides with Brazil enjoyng the bulk of the early possession.
Four players in tonight's Venezuela side ply their trade in Spain: Rosales-Espanyol / Villanueva -Nastic / Herrera (Huesca) & Machis (Cadiz)
The atmosphere here in Salvador already feels more positive than the highly critical Morumbi crowd on Friday where the Sao Pâolo fans are infamous for their high level of expectation.
Off we go in Salvador. Brazil get us underway....
The Arena Fonte Nova is not quite full but certainly looking like a decent crowd at the Salvador de Bahia venue. We'll bring you the attendance info. as soon as it's confirmed by CONMEBOL.
Next up it's the turn of Brazil... "La Canarinha" reverting to their classic yellow shirt-blue shorts combo after donning the white centenary shirt on Friday.
Venezulea national anthem plays with the 'Vinotinto' in their classic burgundy kit
What's our prediction ask Goal ..... I'd go for 2-1 nervy win for Brazil. Venezuela are a decent side and Rondon a constant threat.
Richard referring to the almost empty stadiums that have plagued the early stages of the 2019 Copa America with a high price ticket policy at the heart of the issue
A balmy evening in Salvador de Bahia tonight with a temp. of 26C and just a 1% chance of rain.
Ahead of tonight's action in Salvador, here's how Group A currently stands. A Brazil win and Tite's men are througjh to the next stage.
Tonight's match official is Julio Bascuñan and hails from Chile.
...and the Venezuela XI
The Arena Fonte Nova (in Salvador) earlier on today, the scene for tonight's Group A clash
Venezuela have faced the hosts of a Copa America tournament 14 times, losing each of those 14 games by an aggregate score of 4-61
Brazil have kept seven consecutive clean sheets in Copa America matches played on home soil (W5 D2); the last time they conceded a goal at home in the competition was against Venezuela in 1989 (Brazil won 3-1)
Brazil have won 21 of their 24 meetings with Venezuela in all competitions, with two 0-0 draws and a 0-2 defeat in a friendly match in 2008
Brazil should have the chance to click into top gear against Venezuela, a team they have beaten in six of seven Copa America meetings.
Rafael Dudamel's men disappointed in a drab 0-0 draw against Peru, creating few scoring chances despite being able to call on Salomon Rondon, while Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez was an unused substitute.
Barcelona midfielder Arthur and new Real Madrid man Eder Militao should be available for Brazil's second Copa America match against Venezuela in Bahia.
Arthur, 22, has shaken off knee pain and could reportedly replace Fernandinho in Tite's starting XI, while defender Militao is back in training following a hip issue.
Neither player featured as Brazil secured an ultimately comfortable 3-0 victory over Bolivia in the tournament opener.