#CopaAmerica Review: MATCHDAY 1
There was lots of controversy leading up to it, but alas, we have done it! The Copa America has arrived in Brazil once again! To open the tournament, Brazil opens against Venezuela followed by Colombia taking on Ecuador! Find out how the games went below!
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Brazil vs Venezuela | Group A - Matchday 1 | Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha It was never really in doubt, really. From the opening kick, it always looked like Brazil was on their way to 3 points on the night, and so it was. Venezuela entered the game missing several players from their squad due to positive COVID tests as well as contact tracing, and though it would have helped in some aspect, Brazil was just too good for even a 100% Venezuela. Marquinhos opened the scoring in the 23rd minute while Neymar and Gabriel also got on the board in the 64th and 89th minutes. As expected, Brazil led the possession game 62%-38% and also outshot Venezuela 18 to 3 shots. With the win, Brazil moves atop Group A in #CopaAmerica while Venezuela falls to the bottom.
Colombia vs Ecudor | Group A - Matchday 1 | Arena Pantanal There is a strong chance you will never again see a free-kick executed so perfectly. Colombia took all 3 points in tonight's game against Ecuador following only 1 goal in the entirety of the match. Edwin Cardona scored the winner in the 42nd minute following a free kick which saw a perfect 5-pass leadup to the goal.
Surprisingly to the result, Ecuador actually won the possession battle over Colombia, taking it 59%-41%. The Ecuadorians not only out-possessed Colombia, but they also outshot them and attempted 8 more corner kicks! With the result, Colombia enters the #CopaAmerica table in 2nd only behind earlier winners Brazil while Ecuador fall to 4th place, ahead of Venezuela and behind Peru.
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Check back here tomorrow for another update just like this one on the previous days' matches! Also follow us at @SSN_Soccer for more up-to-date content from #CopaAmerica!