FIRMINO struck in the 67th minute to maintain Brazil’s 100 per cent win record in the race for World Cup 2022 qualification.
Ribeiro got to the by-line and hung the ball up at the back post, Jesus managed to knock the ball down into the path of Firmino who slotted the ball past Farinez.
It was one-way traffic after that, Venezuela didn’t offer much going forward and they were second best to every first and second ball.
Brazil go back to the top of the group after tonight’s win and they’re two points clear of their biggest threat Argentina.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
We were not exactly treated to a high paced game of football, full of goals and drama.
Brazil cruised to three points unopposed and it was Firmino’s 67th minute strike which handed the hosts all three points.
Still a lot of football being covered here at SunSport over the weekend. The international break isn’t over yet!
Later today we have Portugal taking on France with coverage starting at 6.15pm.
And moving onto tomorrow, we have Belgium taking on England with coverage getting underway at 6.15pm, and Wales vs Ireland from 3.30pm!
Time to catch up on some sleep, have a good one!
BOBBY FIRMI-GOAL
Tidy finish from Roberto Firmino!
TABLE CHECK
Brazil climb to the top of the table overtaking Argentina.
Venezuela’s fortunes haven’t changed, tonight’s loss means they’re still stuck on zero points having lost all three of their opening group stage matches.
FULL-TIME STATS
Venezuela managed to peg Brazil back possession wise.
The hosts saw 74 per cent of the ball in the second half, compared to 77 per cent at the end of the first half.
Brazil played over 600 passes compared to Venezuela’s 223.
88 per cent of Brazil’s passes were accurate, whereas Venezuela only managed to complete 68 per cent of passes attempted.
Brazil managed to add to the eight shots they already registered in the first half.
Firmino’s 67th minute strike was the difference maker.
FT: BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
Brazil make it three wins from their opening three World Cup group stage qualifying games!
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino saved the day when he finished off Jesus’ cushioned knock-down.
Venezuela didn’t really make it a game of football, they sat back and allowed Brazil to dictate play.
Easy three points. Nine points from an available nine for Brazil!
PEEEEEEP!
THAT’S FULL-TIME!
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
90+5. Lodi is moved off to the side and Telles is on in his place, play can get back underway.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
90+3. Lodi is down receiving treatment, he picked up a knock defending Otero’s free-kick.
Man United new boy Telles is ready to come on in his place, there’s about three minutes left to play.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
90+1. Otero puts his laces through the ball causing it to dip and swerve, but by the time the ball started to dip it had already cleared the crossbar.
Brazil goal-kick.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
90. There will be six minutes added on at the end of the second half.
Venezuela have a free-kick in a dangerous position 30 yards from goal, Otero is eyeing it up.
Will there be a late twist?
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
JUST WIDE!
89. Venezuela manage to work some space down the left channel.
Rincon whips a cross in towards the penalty spot and his midfield partner Casseres rises highest to meet it.
He gets the power behind the header that he needs to beat Ederson, but he doesn’t get the direction and it flashes wide of the post!
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
88. Farinez attempts to punt the ball long to get his team up the pitch, it completely backfires and his wayward punt ends up handing Brazil a throw-on.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
86. Just under five minutes for Venezuela to find an equaliser and it’s looking increasingly unlikely.
They look like the can’t be asked.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
84. Brazil catch Venezuela out on the counter attack.
Paqueta plays the ball wide to Pedro, the No17 gets to the by-line and floats the ball towards the far post where Everton was waiting.
Everton lines up the spectacular over-head kick, but ends up misjudging the flight of the ball and missing it completely.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
RED CARD!
82. A member of Venezuela’s coaching staff receives a red card after overreacting to one of the referee’s decisions.
The referee wasn’t in the mood to hear any complaints and he gave him his marching orders.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
80. We’re entering the final ten minutes and Venezuela continue to offer very little going forward.
They manage to get past the halfway line, then proceed to look like a deer in headlights, turn back and pass the ball back into their own half.
Brazil catch them sleeping on the job and the home side try to break down the left-hand side.
Lodi tries to race clear into open space, Osorio manages to get across and bring the left-back down conceding a free-kick.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
77. Brazil and Venezuela have made changes.
Brazil have taken off Jesus and Richarlison for Pedro and Everton Soares.
Venezuela have taken off Rosales, Machis and Soteldo for Gonzalez and Otero.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
75. Danilo finds himself surrounded on the halfway line, he turns back towards his own goal and play an intelligent pass to Silva.
Silva takes his time as Brazil look to reset from the back, the Chelsea man does however invite a little bit of pressure.
Savarino gets too close for comfort and he pushes the Chelsea man down conceding a free-kick.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
72. Richarlison attempts a give-and-go with Jesus on the edge of the penalty area.
The ball bobbles up in front of him and bounces off his shin completely ruining what would have been a slick move.
No need to worry, Venezuela continue to be useless going forward and Brazil win back possession with ease.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
70. Lovely pass and move by Brazil.
Richarlison lays it off to Paqueta, the midfielder plays a lofted pass over Venezuela’s backline for Lodi to run onto but the left-back can’t catch up in time to keep the ball on the pitch.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
69. Venezuela are not offering much going forward – they’ve lost the ball straight from kick-off.
Brazil are continuing to dominate the game and at this rate it won’t be long until we see a second hit the back of the net.
BRAZIL 1-0 VENEZUELA
66. Ribeiro drives to the by-line and hangs the ball up at the back post.
Jesus manages to knock the ball down into the path of Firmino, the forward touches the ball out of his feet and slots the ball home!
We finally have a breakthrough!
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!
FIRMINO BREAKS THE DEADLOCK!!!!
COMPOSED FINISH!!!!
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
Bless him!
Watching Soteldo chase after a very tall and physical Brazilian backline brings back memories of secondary school, when the Year 11’s used to take the Year 7’s football.
Credit: Getty Images
BRAZIL 0-0 VENEZUELA
61. Allan picks out Everton team-mate Richarlison in space on the right flank.
This time Richarlison manages to float a cross in and Jesus rises highest to meet the ball, but he can’t guide his effort on target.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
