Neymar-triggered mass brawl after Colombia's win over Brazil in the 2015 Copa America. (Photo : Reuters)
Brazil will try to advance to the knockout stage of the 2015 Copa America without team captain and leading man Neymar as it faces upset-hungry Venezuela in the final Group C elimination round match at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano in Santiago, Chile on Sunday, June 21.
Neymar was fined and suspended for four games by CONMEBOL as he triggered a mass brawl at the end of their sorry 0-1 loss to Colombia on Wednesday, as reported by CBS Sports. The CBF can file an appeal to shorten the punishment to three games, which would allow the Barça star to play in the final of the Copa if Brazil would be able to go that far.
But as of the moment, it is believed that Dunga will not have his star forward for the rest of the summer's tournament.
In a big drop of form after his explosive opener against Peru, Neymar was a disappointment in the game against Los Cafeteros. His frustrations were noticeable every time his Colombian guards impede his attacks.
Meanwhile, La Vinotinto wants to duplicate their opening day showing on the Colombians against Brazil. After dropping a 0-1 match to Peru on Thursday, they are now tied with all the teams in Group C with 3 points in the overall tally, via Bleacher Report. A win or a draw with the Canarinho will propel them to the quarters.
Noel Sanvicente's boys will again be led by center forward Salomón Rondón and team captain Juan Arango to challenge the undermanned Seleção squad.
Prediction: Despite Neymar's absence, Brazil will prevail over Venezuela, 2-1. Fred, Diego Tardelli, or Roberto Firmino will fill-in the scoring need.
Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Jefferson; Luís, Silva, Miranda, Alves; Fernandinho, Elias; Fred, Firmino, Willian; Tardelli
Venezuela starting lineup (4-3-2-1 formation): Baroja; Rosales, Vizcarrondo, Túñez, Amorebieta; Rincón, Seijas, Arango; Guerra, Vargas; Rondón
