Brazil were pushed all the way in their efforts to secure a Copa America quarter-final place, edging past Venezuela with an unconvincing and somewhat nervy 2-1 win.
With Colombia and Peru drawing earlier in the evening, a draw would have secured both Brazil and Venezuela’s passage into the tournament’s final eight – however, Dunga’s side claimed top spot in Group C with the victory – setting up a meeting with Paraguay.
Brazil came into their final group game of the Copa America without Neymar – who was handed a four-match suspension for his role in a post-match brawl in the midweek defeat to Colombia. Robinho was instead handed the starting place as the focal point of their attack.
Thiago Silva gave Brazil the lead with a thumping first-half finish before Roberto Firmino doubled their advantage following a close-range finish following good work down the left wing by Willian. Miku’s late goal gave Venezuela hope of a fightback, but the Selecao just about held on.