Brazil can cope without Neymar at the Copa America
2015
Copa America hosts Brazil kicked off their Copa America campaign with a 3-0 win over Bolivia on Saturday night.
In truth, it was a comfortable win for the Selecao in the end, as Philippe Coutinho grabbed a brace in the second half and Everton added a third.
However, it was not all plain sailing for Tite’s team. The hosts struggled for any attacking inspiration in the first half of the game, which led to boos at the half-time whistle from the home fans.
They needed a much-improved display and got one from their team. The lack of attacking cohesion will no doubt be attributed to the absence of PSG forward Neymar, who is missing the tournament because of an ankle injury.
If there is one team that can cope with the loss of the former Barcelona star then it is the Selecao. Although, they struggled in that aforementioned first half. They have the attacking players to do just fine on home soil.
In the likes of Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Coutinho and David Neres they have exciting attacking options. The third goalscorer Everton must also not be forgotten and the winger may start Wednesday’s game against Venezuela in place of the out of sorts Neres.
Brazil are desperate to win the tournament as host and have the squad to triumph on home soil. Their last Copa America victory came way back in 2007, which is surprising considering their seeming constant production line of talent in down the years.
The current generation of players are an exciting group, even without the much-vaunted Neymar in their ranks. No doubt the PSG star is a top player who any team would miss if he was unavailable.
However, with the talent in Tite’s squad, the Selecao will be highly disappointed not to end their Copa America draught at this year’s competition.
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