Copa America: Brazil Beats Bolivia 3-0, Coutinho Strikes Twice

The 46th edition of Copa America started last night at the Morumbi stadium in Sao Paolo. The host nation and the biggest favorites to win the tournament, Brazil began its way towards the title with a 3-0 win against Bolivia. Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona scored twice, and Everton added one more hit in the late part of the contest.

Though despite what the majority of fans believe once they see the result, it wasn’t a routine job for the Brazilian team, and it wasn’t because Bolivians created any troubles.

Brazil was looking pale, without energy and inspiration in the first half, which concluded without goals. Whether was that because of the half-empty Morumbi stadium, and the absence of the festive atmosphere which is characteristic for this country, or something else we don’t know. But it was apparent that Selecao struggled in its game, a lot.

Coutinho stated that his teammates felt pressure because it was the opening match of the tournament. In those situations that burden is often much tougher to beat than the rivals.

“Pretty tough game. We were a little nervous because it is the first game,” said Barca’s star.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Oq2cLvPkBI&t=169s

It was much easier once the ice broke. Former Liverpool player scored from a penalty kick which was awarded to the Brazilians after VAR system reacted. The goal was scored only 5 minutes after the start of the second half.

The Selecao struck again very soon. It was the 53rd minute when Coutinho posted pretty uncharacteristic goal for him. It was a header which ended behind the back of Bolivia’s goalkeeper Fagner.

“When we scored the first one, we started to play properly,” said Coutinho. “We stayed focused and made the right decisions both technically and tactically.”

Until the end, Brazil netted once more, and it was through the 23-year old Everton, whose strike outside the box set the final result.

The fans of other nations would be delighted for their team to win the opening match at any tournament, but that is not the case in Brazil. Their public always wants more. The domination, the result, the attractivity, all that is required for them to be satisfied.

During the first 45 minutes of the match, booes were heard at Morumbi. Emotional Brazilian audience was disappointed with the way their team played, and at one point, the anger just overwhelmed them.

“It’s normal. The fans want to see goals, but we kept our cool,” Everton’s striker Richarlison said after the contest.

Brazil have only been beaten once at Morumbi – by Argentina in the 1963 Copa Roca. #Copamerica pic.twitter.com/jzr1XTZ6R6

— Sam Kunti (@samindrakunti) June 14, 2019

Fans in Brazil are very frustrated when it comes to football and Selecao’s successes in the past few years. This team won the last Copa America back in 2007. Afterward was humiliated at their own soil back in 2014 at the World Cup, when Germany recorded the historic 7-1 victory over them.

They suffered another huge blow in Russia during the last year, and in between several other setbacks at various competitions.

Up next, Brazil will be playing against Venezuela. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, in Salvador. It is going be a different atmosphere than in Sao Paolo, and Dani Alves, who is the captain of the team, is looking forward to that event.

“In Salvador will be different. They miss the [national team],” the veteran defender said. “It will be more exciting than here.”

The hosts are the biggest favorites to win the tournament, even though they play without injured Neymar. According to some experts, it will only be a positive thing for Tite and the crew because PSG’s superstar often created bad chemistry on the field.

It will be interesting to follow this Copa America, because several teams are coming to win it and cover up all the previous failures. Argentina is here with Messi and Aguero, determined to do something big. Colombia and Uruguay want to win one trophy and prove their worth finally.

Stay tuned, and follow the latest news here at WagerBop.com.