Copa America 2019, Brazil 3-0 Bolivia: 3 Talking Points

Brazil kicked off their Copa America 2019 campaign with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia in the opening day of the competition.

Tite's side did not look at their best, but crossed the line convincingly - as it mattered the most.

Two goals from Philippe Coutinho and a goal from Everton in the second half was enough to seal the opening day victory.

Brazil struggled to create chances in the first half. Thiago Silva came the closest through a corner, but there were no particular chances through open play before the half time whistle.

Two minutes into the second half, Richarlison's ball was handled inside the penalty box. Referee wanted the reference of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to take a clear-cut call on this decision and a penalty was awarded. Philippe Coutinho added from the spot in the 50th minute.

Three minutes later, Roberto Firmino picked out the run of Coutinho inside the six-yard box. The Brazilian used his head to extend the lead and all but ended, Bolivia's chances of staging a comeback. Substitute Everton added one more in the 85th minute to wrap up the victory.

It is a perfect result for the Selecao, but there is a huge room for improvement.

In this article, we shall look at the three reasons for Brazil's victory over Bolivia.

Also see :Copa America Standings, Manchester Transfer News.

#1 Brazil's first goal was the game changer

Brazil struggled to create chances in the first half. They were not able to break down the backline of Bolivia, who looked stubborn until the penalty was conceded in a shocking fashion.

Philippe Coutinho made no mistake from the spot in the second half and gave the Selecao the much needed opener.

This forced Bolivia to chase for the all-important equalizer. They pressed high up the pitch which helped the course of Brazil.

Richarlison picked out an exquisite pass to Roberto Firmino inside the penalty box. Liverpool striker's cross found Philippe Coutinho, who headed the ball from close range to double the lead.

If Bolivia had stayed patient without making hasty decisions, Brazil would have struggled as they were battling out to penetrate the flow of the game.

#2 David Neres' form is an encouraging sight for Tite

David Neres was opted through the left wing due to the absence of Neymar. The Ajax attacker did no harm and performed to his best which would be satisfying for the manager Tite.

During the first half, when the whole team struggled to keep hold of the ball and move swiftly, Neres looked sharp in the final end of the pitch. Due to the lack of support around him, he was not able to create clear-cut chances.

He was always on the move, and gave a headache to Bolivia's right-back, who was dragged by Neres, most often than not.

Even though Philippe Coutinho and Everton bagged their goals in the second half, David Neres was the only player who looked lively until he was substituted in the second half.

He will be expected to carry the same form into the next game against Venezuela.

#3 Bolivia bucked under pressure at a wrong time

Bolivia players in distraught after the final whistle

Bolivia followed their blueprint and sat back to frustrate Brazil in the first half. However, a cheap penalty was conceded unnecessarily in the early moments of the second half. That changed the game entirely.

Richarlison's shot was blocked using a hand, but the players protested against that call which was overturned with the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Philippe Coutinho's penalty gave the much-needed breather for Brazil.

From then on, it looked like a formality to build on from that foundation which handed over a massive boost to Tite's side. When Bolivia were chasing for the ball high up the pitch, Brazil found space in their backline and exploited it everytime they atta

This helped Neymar less Brazil to score their second of the night and put the game beyond eyesight of Bolivia.