Neymar Leads Selecao to a Narrow Win | Falcao Flops As Venezuela Dusts Columbia

The Barca star's abilities are the only link from Dunga's incarnation of the Selecao to their history - but it might not stop them winning the Copa America.

A horrendous error from Jefferson, not helped by David Luiz's dawdling, gifted Peru and Christian Cueva the opening goal after just two minutes. Brazil responded promptly, with Dani Alves teasing in a cross to Barcelona team-mate Neymar, who headed home from a completely unmarked position.

Indeed Neymar was in tantalising form for much of the contest, dribbling at pace and leaving defenders hanging off his legs. In the second half he smashed a wonderful curling effort against the underside of the crossbar. And you'd have bet all the money you owned that he would find the net when bursting through late on, only to curl wide.

But with injury time counting down he provided a killer assist, sliding a perfect pass through a barely-visible gap to substitute Douglas Costa, who showed composure to find the corner.

On the contrary, Colombia no doubt boast the better quality but their stars could not align. Instead they were undone by the superior levels of diligence and organisation in the Venezuela contingent here in Rancagua. The upshot of this 1-0 win for the Vinotinto is that they are again threatening to invert the natural order of football in South America.

However, it all came together here and they executed a gameplan to perfection. Colombia were frustrated by Venezuela's ability to keep them at arms' length in midfield with little or no space offered for James and Co. to weave their magic. The goal, when it came, was predictable in the sense that it was the most likely way Venezuela would score. Wide-men Ronald Vargas and Alejandro Guerra were too quick and skilful for the Colombian full-backs all evening; they combined before the impressive Salomon Rondon aimed a header into David Ospina's bottom corner.