Can Brazil cope without Neymar? That was the question on everybody’s lips ahead of Friday’s Copa America Group C crunch encounter with Venezuela.
With the Barcelona man in their ranks, the Selecao were among the favourites to win the tournament. Without him, Dunga’s side found themselves fearing premature elimination. Yet Sunday’s match at the Monumental in Santiago proved that there is life after Neymar.
Dunga somewhat surprisingly opted to include Robinho in his starting XI, with Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino completing his attacking contingent, and the former AC Milan man showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with on his day.
The 31-year-old dazzled right from the start and was Brazil’s undisputed star player in the opening 45 minutes. He created a fine chance for Coutinho after just eight minutes, but the Liverpool man’s poor finishing denied him an assist. He did provide a goal shortly after, though, with Thiago Silva volleying home his pinpoint corner.
He not only hugely contributed to Brazil’s resurgence but took his team by the hand wherever he was needed on the pitch.
He was always available, hardly lost possession and his composure and calmness on the ball helped his team-mates settle. He was taken off for Marquinhos toward the end of the second half to a standing ovation from the Brazilian fans.
With the Barcelona man in their ranks, the Selecao were among the favourites to win the tournament. Without him, Dunga’s side found themselves fearing premature elimination. Yet Sunday’s match at the Monumental in Santiago proved that there is life after Neymar.
Dunga somewhat surprisingly opted to include Robinho in his starting XI, with Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino completing his attacking contingent, and the former AC Milan man showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with on his day.
The 31-year-old dazzled right from the start and was Brazil’s undisputed star player in the opening 45 minutes. He created a fine chance for Coutinho after just eight minutes, but the Liverpool man’s poor finishing denied him an assist. He did provide a goal shortly after, though, with Thiago Silva volleying home his pinpoint corner.
He not only hugely contributed to Brazil’s resurgence but took his team by the hand wherever he was needed on the pitch.
He was always available, hardly lost possession and his composure and calmness on the ball helped his team-mates settle. He was taken off for Marquinhos toward the end of the second half to a standing ovation from the Brazilian fans.
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