Brazil 3-0 Venezuela: 5 talking points as holders off to a flyer in silent tournament opener | Copa America 2021 

#3 Marquinhos is the Sergio Ramos of Brazil

Brazil centre-back Marquinhos scored another header goal

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Marquinhos has scored eight goals for club and country, six of which have been headers, including one tonight. He's posting figures reminiscent of a certain centre-back called Sergio Ramos, just without the penalties.

Marquinhos scores the first goal of the 2021 Copa America 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/8Pqyl6Sc05

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 13, 2021

The PSG star's heading ability is well-documented and rose the highest to meet Neymar's corner kick tonight to net another crucial header. It shows how potent he remains from set-pieces and provides an additional scoring avenue for Brazil.

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#4 Graterol was Venezuela's best player

Graterol impressed between the sticks for Venezuela

We already spoke about how Venezuela looked debilitated without their key players and struggled to get going. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for them. Joel Graterol, their goalkeeper of the night, put on a fine display, making several crucial stops and saves to frustrate Brazil.

He twice produced strong hands to deny Gabriel Jesus. Graterol even came off his line to collect the ball when needed to evade a danger. The custodian showed a maturity and vision that went beyond his years. It's hard to believe this was only his third outing with Venezuela, for he looked right at home between the sticks!

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#5 Neymar's penalty style is too risky

Neymar scored a penalty but is technique remains questionable

Neymar was on target from the spot again as he converted a penalty to give Brazil a two-goal cushion. Full marks for that, but it cannot be ignored that his penalty-taking style is very risky, and goalkeepers can easily guess the right way sometimes.

He took his time after referee blew the whistle, scampered up a few steps, and then slowly took a shot which, in this case, sent the opposition goalkeeper the wrong way. However, in a match to Ecuador earlier this month, and in a Ligue 1 clash in May, the star didn't have so much luck.

Neymar scores from the spot to start his Copa America campaign.67 goals for Brazil in just 106 games 🌟 pic.twitter.com/lqRGyET30Z

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 13, 2021

It led to his technique being widely criticised and as long as Neymar continues with this, he's going to miss a lot more penalties in the future.