SANTIAGO: Brazil shrugged off the absence of suspended captain Neymar to reach the Copa America quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela while Colombia were left sweating on their Copa América hopes after a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Peru on Sunday.
Goals in each half from Paris Saint-Germain star Thiago Silva and Bundesliga-based striker Roberto Firmino clinched a win which ensured Brazil qualified for the last eight on top of Group C.
Brazil looked to be heading to an easy victory but Venezuela ensured a tense finale with Fedor’s late goal.
In the other match, Colombia were the better side and the Peruvian keeper, Pedro Gallese, got down well to stop Radamel Falcao opening the scoring in the third minute. Pablo Armero then shot into the side netting after a defence-splitting pass from James Rodríguez.
Jackson Martínez missed a great chance to guarantee Colombia’s advance when he scuffed a weak shot straight at the goalkeeper in injury time.
The draw left both sides with four points in Group C and ended Ecuador’s chances of progressing as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Colombia, who reached the last eight as one of the two best third placed teams, now face Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Chile face Uruguay while Bolivia will play Peru.
