Headless Brazil head into quarters

Playing without suspended star Neymar, Brazil defeated Venezuela 2-1 on Sunday in its final group game to reach the Copa America quarterfinals.

Thiago Silva scored with a volley in the 9th minute off a perfect delivery from a corner by Robinho — Neymar’s replacement. Roberto Firmino added the second in the 52nd, chipping in a cross from Willian.The loss in Group C eliminated Venezuela, which got an 84th-minute goal from Miku.

The final match in qualifying set up the quarterfinal pairings with Chile vs Uruguay on Wednesday, Bolivia vs Peru on Thursday, Argentina vs. Colombia on Friday and Saturday’s match pitting Brazil against Paraguay.

Asked about Neymar’s absence, Brazil coach Dunga replied: “Any team would miss Neymar, but when you don’t have him, you can’t feel sorry for yourself.”

Brazil seemed to play better without Neymar, at least early in the first half. Robinho and Philipe Coutinho, who replaced midfielder Fred, gave Brazil more attacking.After scoring, Silva raced to the sideline and waved to Neymar, who was sitting in the stands — wrapped up under a blue winter cap — and jeered by Venezuela fans on a chilly night in the South American winter.

Dunga called the quarterfinal with Paraguay a “very tricky match” and likened it to “a final.”“We have to respect everyone, but we can fear nobody.”

Brazil had a couple chances just after Silva’s goal with Robinho and Felipe luis looking dangerous. But the attack stalled through most of the first half.

Willan was stopped by Venezuela keeper Alain Baroja on a point-blank shot in the 39th.Venezuela had its best chance in the 44th when Gabriel Cichero looped a shot from the left which went just wide of the far post.Brazil started the second half quickly. Coutinho had a chance in the first minute with Firmino’s goal minutes later sealing the outcome.

Venezuela made it close in the 84th. Brazil keeper Jefferson dived to meet Juan Arango’s free kick, tipping it off the post with Miku heading it home.

“We have the feeling we could have given a bit more,” Venezuela coach Noel Sanvicente said. “But worrying about it now doesn’t matter.”Five-time World Cup champion Brazil is hoping to recover its reputation in this tournament, still stinging from a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in last year’s World Cup semifinals at home. It has looked ordinary in three group matches in Chile, a shadow of Brazilian teams that were once feared.Brazil still remains a co-favorite with Argentina, with Chile, Colombia and defending champion Uruguay also viewed as contenders.

Brazil accept Neymar’s banBrazil has accepted the four-match suspension handed to Neymar following his red card in the group stage of the Copa America, ruling the Barcelona forward out of the rest of the tournament.The Brazilian Football Federation said in a statement on Monday that a decision not to appeal against the sanction was taken after a meeting between Neymar and the coaching staff on Sunday.Brazil coach Dunga had said Saturday that the confederation likely would make an appeal.Neymar, Brazil’s captain and one of the world’s best players, was sent off after kicking the ball toward Colombia’s Pablo Armero after the referee blew for fulltime in a Group C game on Wednesday, which Brazil lost 1-0. Neymar also appeared to head-butt another player who came to confront him.Neymar will be leaving the squad in Chile on Monday.