Brazil will play Venezuela in the Copa America 2015 Round of 16 on Sunday in a game that will determine who progresses to the quarter finals and who is eliminated in Group C. Today's big game has a scheduled start time of 5.30 p.m. ET and takes place from David Arellano in Chile. The game can be watched on TV on the beIN Sports network, or online through live stream via the link below.
Group C is by far the closest in the Copa America this year, and today's games see Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru all coming into the final round of group games with one win and one loss, meaning all four teams are level on three points. Furthermore all teams are on zero goal difference, so things could not be closer between them.
Peru's 1-0 victory over Venezuela, coupled with Colombia's shocking win over Brazil in the second round of games has locked the group in stalemate, but something must give today.
The Brazil loss to Colombia has been the most talked about game at the competition so far. Firstly for the stunning scoreline, with Colombia taking revenge for their World Cup defeat at the hands of Brazil last year. Secondly, for Neymar's red card, which came after the full time whistle had blown. In frustration and anger, Neymar kicked the ball at defender Pablo Armero, and the ensuing red card was converted into a four match ban, meaning he will play no further part in the competition.
The loss of Neymar will be a huge blow to Brazil, as he has been their stand out player of the tournament so far, and it is hard to see how anyone can adequately fill hi boots in all that he did for the team.
Throughout the team's loss to Colombia, Neymar cut an increasingly frustrated figure, and some pundits have even mentioned that he could have been sent off well before his red, after committing a number of fouls during the game, and even grabbing the shoulder of the referee after his yellow card.
Such is Neymar's influence on his team, that his frustrations quickly boiled over into his teammates and the game overall was a disastrous one for the Brazilians. They must find a way to shake off all that occurred in that Colombia game and reset themselves and get back to basics today.
Venezuela meanwhile will also want to shake off their 0-1 loss to Peru. They are a talented side who have a number of players who can pose a big threat in attack. Their strategy today will be to frustrate Brazil going forward and look to penetrate the at-times fragile Brazilian defense. If they can fluster Brazil going forward it could again lead to frustration building throughout the team, and that's something Venezuela will believe they can take advantage of.
Today's big Copa America 2015 Group C game between Brazil and Venezuela has a scheduled start time of 5.30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the beIN Sports network, or online through live stream by clicking here.
