Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Home team Brazil were already the favourites to win this tournament before it began. Now, following their 3-0 mauling of Bolivia, their chances seem to be better than ever. Hoping not to fall to the same fate is Venezuela, who stuttered in their opening Copa America match against Peru in a 0-0 finish. It isn’t the worst result possible, and the game showcased some excellent performances. However, it’s not enough to change their underdog status.
Further reiterating this point is Brazil’s form outside the Copa America. Since their devastating 2-1 loss to Belgium – which saw them knocked out of the World Cup early on – they haven’t lost a single game. As opposed to damaging their confidence, that failure seemed to have lit a fire in the Brazilian squad. Venezuela, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to string together more than one victory in succession since mid-2016.
Brazil vs Venezuela Prediction: Brazil 3-0 Venezuela
It should be little surprise to anyone that we’re feeling quite confident in a Brazil victory here. Nothing is set in stone – nothing ever is in football – but it seems to be the most likely outcome by quite a large margin. To put it simply, Brazil have been playing better and have managed better results than Venezuela for quite a long time. We’ve not seen anything that makes us think a change in that regard is imminent. With that in mind, and considering that Brazil are likely to come into this all guns blazing in terms of offence, we’re predicting a 3-0 win to the home team.
Our recommended tip: Brazil win to nil
With the home side likely to put in a dominant and aggressive performance, it’s no wonder that they are the bookmakers’ favourite. At Ladbrokes, Brazil have low-risk 1/7 match odds, compared to Venezuela’s much higher risk 25/1 odds to win. However, considering our scoreline prediction and the fact that Brazil have won three of their last five games with a clean sheet, we recommend that you predict they’ll achieve the same here. Ladbrokes are offering low-risk 4/7 odds on Brazil winning to nil, giving you a higher potential ROI.
Previous matches
Were it not for a shocking sole international victory in 2008 – a 2-0 game which stunned Brazil at the time – Venezuela would not have beaten Brazil since 1959. The away team will no doubt be hoping to shock the world again. But, considering that result came off the back of an awful performance by Brazil – and they are very likely to take their eye off the ball here, no pun intended – that seems very unlikely. Just look at the head-to-head record otherwise. Brazil have bested Venezuela 21 times compared to the two we mentioned. It’s certainly a mountain to climb.
Top 3 Copa America Bookies
Players to watch: Philippe Coutinho & Wuilker Faríñez
Brazil: Philippe Coutinho
Picking just one player to watch for Brazil was always going to be difficult. There are plenty you want to pay attention to in this all-star squad. But one who we think has really stood out in his last couple of outings is Philippe Coutinho, a man who followed up a penalty with an in play goal mere minutes later. Surely there’s no stronger proof of being a brilliant all-rounder on the offensive than that.
Venezuela: Wuilker Faríñez
Their match against Peru may not have gone exactly as planned. Despite some flashes of brilliance, Venezuela looked very lucky to have survived with a point. In another, pre-VAR era, they would have almost certainly have lost the game. However, none of that can take away from the brilliant individual performance of Wuilker Faríñez. His exceptional saving should be a source of hope against a ferocious Brazilian side.