Neymar was once again key to Brazilian success on Sunday evening, with the Barcelona player’s goal and assist helping his size squeeze past an impressive Peru side with a 2-1 victory.
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Indeed, it was only in the second minute of added time at the end of the encounter that the selecao secured all three points, with Neymar’s pinpoint ball turned home by substitute Douglas Costa.
Earlier, Peru had taken a third minute lead through Alianza Lima forward Cristian Cueva. However, their advantage would last just two minutes before Neymar levelled proceedings with his 44th international goal—his third in Copa America tournaments.
#Neymar and that pass, (again) Another angle, I could watch this all day! pic.twitter.com/GHaF3O5bq0
— Copa NewsHound (@COPANewsHound) June 14, 2015
Peru’s well organised and committed style threatened to earn them what would have been an entirely deserved point, limiting Brazil’s second half opportunities. When Neymar himself then missed a golden chance with minutes remaining, it appeared they had done enough.
Shakhtar forward Costa, though, would have the final say in this fiercely competitive opening game.
Salomon Rondon’s second-half header allowed Venezuela to stun Colombia 1-0, and pull off a shock in the Copa America’s opening round.
Zenit St Petersburg striker Rondon flicked home a header from eight yards on the hour mark after Alejandro Guerra had headed a cross back into the penalty area.
It was no more than Venezuela deserved against a lacklustre Colombia side – ranked 68 places higher than their opponents – who only woke up after they went a goal down.
With Radamel Falcao ineffective in attack and James Rodriguez isolated, Colombia’s best chance fell to substitute Teofilo Gutierrez who was denied from close range by Venezuela keeper Carmilo Vargas a minute after being introduced.
