Copa America 2019, Brazil 3-0 Bolivia: 5 things we learnt

#1 VAR saved Brazil’s blushes

VAR comes to the fore as Brazil are awarded a penalty

Bolivia were making life difficult for the Samba Boys’ ferocious front four to split open their defence and kickstart proceedings in the first-half. Eduardo Villegas’ men were extremely well-drilled in a sturdy shape which forced Brazil to take on the aerial route in which Felipe Luis and Dani Alves were drilling crosses, left, right and center to no avail.

After Richarlison’s shot struck Adrian Juniso’s arm in an unnatural position, Nestor Pitana, the referee who officiated the World Cup 2018 final used his experience to take his time and repeatedly reviewed the action before awarding a penalty to the Brazilians.