Copa America

Brazil give Paraguay no chance

Vinicius Junior scored a brace for Brazil.(Bild: AP)

After the zero number and the bitter start for Brazil at the Copa America, the South Americans have managed a liberating blow in the second game.

The Selecao celebrated a 4:1 victory over Paraguay at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It was an important success for coach Dorival Junior's team as they remain in contention to win the group. Paraguay were eliminated from the tournament after the defeat.

(Bild: APA/Getty Images)

Vinicius scores a brace
"I said, be patient. Because this team is on the right track," said the coach after the game. Lucas Paqueta first missed a penalty (31') before Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scored the Brazilians' first goal of the competition four minutes later after a fine dribble. Savinho followed up shortly afterwards (43) before Vinicius Junior scored his second shortly before the break (45.+5).

Neymar watched the game from the stands.(Bild: APA/Getty Images)

Omar Alderete reduced the deficit to 1:3 for Paraguay with a superb long-range strike (48'). Paqueta scored from the penalty spot to make the final score 4:1 (65'). TV cameras showed star striker Neymar, who has been injured since October last year and who the Brazilians will have to do without at this tournament in the USA, celebrating in the stands.

With four points, Brazil are behind Colombia (6) in the table. Thanks to their 3:0 (1:0) win over Costa Rica, the Colombians have already secured their place in the quarter-finals ahead of their clash with Brazil on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi(Bild: AFP/APA/KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI)

World champions Argentina, who have also already qualified for the quarter-finals, will be without Lionel Messi for their final group game against Peru on Sunday night. The 37-year-old superstar injured his right thigh in the 1-0 win over Chile. Assistant coach Walter Samuel announced that the injury would be monitored and a decision made on a day-to-day basis.