Argentina are not the only team to struggle in their opening match at the Copa America as Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Venezuela.
Venezuela are usually viewed as the weakest team in the tournament, but they had a good game-plan that the more talented Brazilian side could not break down. Too often it seemed like Brazil was relying on a piece of individual magic from Neymar, Robinho or Alexandre Pato to break down Venezuela, instead of attacking them as a team.
Anytime you play against a team with a defensive game plan the secret is to score early, and Brazil created some good chances, they just could not finish them.
Pato had the most chances early in the game. First he had a header that was easily saved by Venezuela keeper Renny Vega before Vega needed two attempts to hold onto a good shot from the AC Milan forward. Pato then hit the bar as Brazil continued to be frustrated.
Brazil then were unlucky as Neymar fed Robinho but Oswaldo Vizcarrondo made a last ditch block on the line. Ganso found Neymar again minutes but he missed the target.
Next up for Brazil is Paraguay on Saturday, while Venezuela plays Ecuador the same day.
Eight of the 12 teams qualify for the second round, which means the early draws are unlikely to keep Brazil and Argentina out of the knockout stages.
