Copa America 2019, Brazil 0-0 Venezuela: 5 Talking Points

#2 Venezuela prove mettle to stay alive in the competition

Venezuela more than held their own against Brazil

The fact that Brazil were victims of a controversial decision through VAR should not take the shine away from Venezuela and the magnitude of their achievement on the night.

La Vinotinto have never managed to beat Brazil in a competitive tournament and boast of a miserable record against their South American rivals in recent years.

And although they did not threaten to put an end to the long wait for a win against Brazil, they wouldn't fold easily on the night and succumb to a defeat either.

Rafael Dudamel's men were well-drilled from the get-go and proved very difficult to break down for Brazil, due to their resolute and dogged defending.

The Selecao were evidently frustrated as the visitors maintained their shape and put men behind the ball to grind out a result in the end, with a little help from VAR.

As such, Venezuela are still in good shape to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament in Brazil, especially considering they have yet to lose a game after facing two of the strongest sides in Group A.

Bolivia, who have lost both their games until now, are Venezuela's next opponents and a win on Saturday will put them in good stead to qualify either as runners-up from Group A, or as one of the two best third-placed teams to progress depending on results from elsewhere.