Brazil thrashed Bolivia by 3-0 to start their Copa America 2019 campaign on a stunning note.
The host nation Brazil took on Bolivia in the first game of the Copa America, with a scoreline of 3-0, with all three goals coming in the second half. Barcelona forward Phillipe Coutinho scored twice and substitute Everton Soares scored once to bag the three points for the team.
Coach Tite played 4-2-3-1 formation with Roberto Firmino leading the line who also exchanged flanks with Richarlison and caused much trouble to the Bolivian defenders. Ajax forward David Neres got a position in the starting 11 and showed an impressive game on the left flank. He combined well with Coutinho who played the role of an attacking midfielder, unlike his usual position with Barcelona as a left winger.
Both the teams lacked flow in the fist half as the game lacked action and goals. The ball was well kept by Brazil as they kept on pressing the Bolivian defence but lacked finishing.
Bolivia’s Saucedo was shown a yellow card for a foul on Casemiro by VAR assistance. Brazil were good on the ball and as well in the air causing threat with the set pieces. Bolivia rarely threatened on the other side, they easily gave away the ball and stayed defensive for most of the match.
The beginning of the second half saw Brazil getting a VAR assisted Penalty in the 50th minute, which Coutinho converted precisely, sending the ball in the bottom left corner. Minutes later Roberto Firmino laid an inch perfect cross for Coutinho, who headed the ball in the back of the net, making the score 2-0 for Brazil at 53 minutes.
Substitute Everten Soares who came in at the 80th minute had an instant impact on the game, as his speed was hard to handle for the Bolivian defenders. He scored a shocker in the 85th minute, dribbling past defenders and a magnificent shot from outside the box, leaving the goalkeeper watching.
In a post match interview Coutinho said, “Pretty tough game. We were a little nervous because it is the first game. But when we scored the first one, we started to play properly. We the stayed focused and made the right decisions both technically and tactically.”
The game also saw the home fans booing their own players, to which Coutinho said “It is part of the game. The fans want us to play well. We need to kind of shield ourselves and remain focused on the main goal. It’s important to be locked in in order to play well.”
Everton winger Richarlison told the media about booing,
He said,“It’s normal. The fans want to see goals but we kept our cool,’’
“The first half had a little bit of nervousness, but in the second we could made good passes and scored the goals easily. Now we have to focus on the next match to qualify for the next round.”
Brazil play Venezuela next on Wednesday (19 June).