After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self.

Argentina's all-time top scorer often loses out to Diego Maradona in debates over who is the country's best ever player due to his failure to inspire his nation to a major trophy.

While he usually looks to be playing on a different level to his international teammates, against Venezuela it was the five-times world player of the year who looked rusty, slow and the least likely to conjure up a moment of magic.

After four games at the Copa America, Messi has only scored once -- from the penalty spot -- and has not provided any assists, nor has he looked anything like the player who netted more goals than anyone in Europe in the last three seasons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-lo-celso-goals-earn-argentina-copa-semi-against-brazil-231338">Argentina </a>could certainly do with him rediscovering his form in their next game, a semi-final with tournament hosts and arch-rivals Brazil.

Messi did play a supporting role in Argentina's opening strike against Venezuela, whipping in a cross which Sergio Aguero sent towards goal and Lautaro Martinez flicked into the net with his heel, but it was the only memorable moment of an ineffective display.

His passing was sloppy, his shots were frequently blocked and never troubled Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, and he rarely managed to beat defenders as he usually does with such nonchalant ease.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not want to be drawn on Messi's poor display in the post-game news conference but said his presence alone is good for the team.

"Messi's contribution on the pitch is essential, if you could see what he gives us in the dressing room you'd think differently. I assure you it's great to have him here," Scaloni said.

When further pressed on Messi's poor form, Scaloni replied curtly,&nbsp;"All there is to say about Leo is he's the best in the world."

The poor state of the playing surfaces in Brazil also seem to have taken their toll on Messi.

"The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-were-playing-on-terrible-pitches-says-argentinas-lionel-messi-231100&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIlPT7_43jAhUFtI8KHR4MDP8QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0M67OiMRDE0zvSewSeQObE">pitches here are shameful</a>, the ball is like a rabbit, it can go anywhere," he said.

"The conditions are very difficult and it's very hard to dribble properly. This cannot go on," said Scaloni.

After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self.

After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self. Argentina's all-time top scorer often loses out to Diego Maradona in debates over who is the country's best ever player due to his failure to inspire his nation to a major trophy. While he usually looks to be playing on a different level to his international teammates, against Venezuela it was the five-times world player of the year who looked rusty, slow and the least likely to conjure up a moment of magic. After four games at the Copa America, Messi has only scored once -- from the penalty spot -- and has not provided any assists, nor has he looked anything like the player who netted more goals than anyone in Europe in the last three seasons. Argentina could certainly do with him rediscovering his form in their next game, a semi-final with tournament hosts and arch-rivals Brazil. Messi did play a supporting role in Argentina's opening strike against Venezuela, whipping in a cross which Sergio Aguero sent towards goal and Lautaro Martinez flicked into the net with his heel, but it was the only memorable moment of an ineffective display. His passing was sloppy, his shots were frequently blocked and never troubled Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, and he rarely managed to beat defenders as he usually does with such nonchalant ease. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not want to be drawn on Messi's poor display in the post-game news conference but said his presence alone is good for the team. "Messi's contribution on the pitch is essential, if you could see what he gives us in the dressing room you'd think differently. I assure you it's great to have him here," Scaloni said. When further pressed on Messi's poor form, Scaloni replied curtly, "All there is to say about Leo is he's the best in the world." The poor state of the playing surfaces in Brazil also seem to have taken their toll on Messi. "The pitches here are shameful, the ball is like a rabbit, it can go anywhere," he said. "The conditions are very difficult and it's very hard to dribble properly. This cannot go on," said Scaloni.

Copa America: Lionel Messi looks out of touch as Argentina reach semifinals

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about the Copa America pitches, saying it was "absurd" to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-reach-semi-final-with-shootout-win-over-paraguay-231055&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwq427y4vjAhUHiHAKHVHJBJ4QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1otE8Lgeq-gzAgJlPAcYM9">Brazil </a>won the quarter-final 4-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Tite said the level of play at the Gremio arena was negatively impacted by the uneven surface.

"It's absurd that at this high level we are playing on pitches where it is difficult to control the ball," Tite told reporters.

"Players need three touches to control it. It's absurd,"&nbsp;Tite said.

Renato Portaluppi, coach of Brazilian side Gremio, said earlier this week that 'the grass is sadly not in the best condition'.

Other players and officials had also voiced their disapproval of the playing surfaces used in the tournament.

One of the biggest critics was Lionel Messi, who suffered in the game against Qatar when a cutback onto his path hit a divot right before he took a shot for goal.

"(The ball) bumps a lot on the field. All the fields we played on were very bad. It is hard," Messi said after Qatar's clash.&nbsp;

The usually precise Barcelona forward skied the ball way over the bar and later explained, the ball 'kicks up a lot. All the pitches we've played on have been terrible. It's difficult.'

Uruguay's Luis Suarez and Colombia's James Rodriguez also dissed the uneven surfaces with the Fonte Nova in Salvador and the Maracana in Rio copping maximum criticism.

"When I (complained), I was criticised. They said I was making excuses. But you can't be playing on pitches like that," said Argentina coach <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-scaloni-expects-a-tough-start-as-argentina-prepare-to-face-colombia-227344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzre-Fy4vjAhVHNo8KHXlzAeQQFjACegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vQFC0L1UwqHCvm7LEsD8x">Lionel Scaloni.</a>

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzre-Fy4vjAhVHNo8KHXlzAeQQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iVDTqmigO3g_dxIAgUng0">Organisers </a>rejected the criticism.

"We see flat pitches, with an ideal covering of grass," Thiago Jannuzzi, the organising committee's competitions manager, told reporters earlier this week while discussing the tournament's progress.

"The pitches are appropriate for the tournament,"&nbsp;Jannuzzi said.

Brazil, who are seeking to win the Copa for the first time since 2007, will now hope for a better surface at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, where they will play the semi-final against either Argentina or Venezuela.

The venue bears the scars for Brazil where they suffered a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about the Copa America pitches, saying it was "absurd" to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on Thursday.

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about the Copa America pitches, saying it was "absurd" to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on Thursday. Brazil won the quarter-final 4-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes. Tite said the level of play at the Gremio arena was negatively impacted by the uneven surface. "It's absurd that at this high level we are playing on pitches where it is difficult to control the ball," Tite told reporters. "Players need three touches to control it. It's absurd," Tite said. Renato Portaluppi, coach of Brazilian side Gremio, said earlier this week that 'the grass is sadly not in the best condition'. Other players and officials had also voiced their disapproval of the playing surfaces used in the tournament. One of the biggest critics was Lionel Messi, who suffered in the game against Qatar when a cutback onto his path hit a divot right before he took a shot for goal. "(The ball) bumps a lot on the field. All the fields we played on were very bad. It is hard," Messi said after Qatar's clash. The usually precise Barcelona forward skied the ball way over the bar and later explained, the ball 'kicks up a lot. All the pitches we've played on have been terrible. It's difficult.' Uruguay's Luis Suarez and Colombia's James Rodriguez also dissed the uneven surfaces with the Fonte Nova in Salvador and the Maracana in Rio copping maximum criticism. "When I (complained), I was criticised. They said I was making excuses. But you can't be playing on pitches like that," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Organisers rejected the criticism. "We see flat pitches, with an ideal covering of grass," Thiago Jannuzzi, the organising committee's competitions manager, told reporters earlier this week while discussing the tournament's progress. "The pitches are appropriate for the tournament," Jannuzzi said. Brazil, who are seeking to win the Copa for the first time since 2007, will now hope for a better surface at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, where they will play the semi-final against either Argentina or Venezuela. The venue bears the scars for Brazil where they suffered a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Copa America: We're playing on terrible pitches, says Argentina's Lionel Messi

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rpJxdtBBQB4wYSuxv9Vqh">Brazil</a>, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday.

Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday.

"In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added.

"Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way,"&nbsp;Jesus said.

After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o7sb-lgkqIC_xEcjsN5dY">Brazil </a>took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal.

The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHqee2tovjAhWJq48KHWgwD5QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nX7s9sw8sQFf1AVrg3Sre">video assistant referee (VAR).</a>

The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute.

"We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur.

"We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added.

Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates.

"This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said.

"It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added&nbsp;Alisson.

In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJl_uttovjAhUQ3o8KHdv-DkoQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14HSyDrwysSqA06oXz5SVS">Chile </a>and Uruguay take on Peru.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless. Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts. Brazil, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday. Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday. "In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added. "Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way," Jesus said. After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, Brazil took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal. The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute. "We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur. "We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added. Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates. "This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said. "It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added Alisson. In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play Chile and Uruguay take on Peru.

Copa America: Brazil reach semi-final with shootout win over Paraguay

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. When asked to the Ambassadors of Germany, Brazil and Argentina about the G20 summit and their expectations out it see what they said.

WION World Order: Ambassadors of Brazil, Argentina and Germany talk about G20 summit

In this segment of WION World Order, the concern is G20 summit and its outcomes. When asked to the Ambassador of Brazil to India André Aranha Corrêa do Lago about the challenges that nations are dealing with.

WION World Order: G20 reveals the challenges that countries dealing with: Brazil Ambassador

WION World Order: Centre Stage Osaka- Spotlight G20

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-defeats-qatar-1-0-moves-to-quarter-final-228873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Rtxu-bdYoDV_gIx2leyXe">Colombia </a>coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup.

CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews.

The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used.

The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjiv_X2IbjAhXGXSsKHZYSDeIQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPoq1x3-uyx9tjaBzWBcp">Brazil's </a>goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR.

The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup.

"There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld.

"We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions,"&nbsp;Seneme said.

Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-beat-qatar-2-0-to-qualify-for-copa-america-last-eight-229875&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLiPuO2IbjAhUEFogKHUqxD-4QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KH8wOiFoRjbPqWYsry6Vg">Argentina </a>meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messis-penalty-rescues-argentina-against-paraguay-228869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAHegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qwhh1mCV-kTGexBF7sw55">Lionel Messi</a> scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela.

Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

“Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said.

“We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added&nbsp;Queiroz.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup. The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup. CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews. The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used. The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR. The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup. "There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld. "We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions," Seneme said. Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR". Argentina meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris. Lionel Messi scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela. Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. “Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said. “We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added Queiroz.

Copa America organisers 'satisfied' with use of VAR despite lengthy delays

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals.

Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal.

Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time.

After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite.

"When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said.

The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday.

The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final.

Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides.

"It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said.

"They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out. Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal. Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time. After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite. "When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said. The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday. The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final. Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides. "It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said. "They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Copa America: Brazil crush Peru to reach last eight

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru.&nbsp;

Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.&nbsp;

Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans.&nbsp;

The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain.&nbsp;

Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual.&nbsp;

Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.&nbsp;

Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 
But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/neymar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#neymar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SelecaoBrasileira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SelecaoBrasileira</a> <a href="https://t.co/GavbzsF0T3">pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3</a>
— Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zidaneneymarjr/status/1142121538004537345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On being asked about whether&nbsp;Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving?

"We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added.&nbsp;

I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre. Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans. The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain. Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual. Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute. Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates: I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲#neymar #SelecaoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3 — Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) June 21, 2019 × On being asked about whether Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving? "We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added. I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Watch: Neymar visits his teammates ahead of Brazil's Copa America match against Peru

Brazilian football coach Tite gave guidance to Neymar to play for a club where he would feel happy as a person amid increasing rumours of the PSG player wishing to return to FC Barcelona.&nbsp;

"It is about where you feel good, where you feel happy, there are several other factors," said Tite on being asked what advice he could give Neymar regarding latest rumours of leaving PSG.&nbsp;

"If it was me, I would go to a place where I would feel happy as a person, as a human being, as a family. Because, from there, I will be better professionally," the Brazilian coach further added.&nbsp;

Currently, Neymar is dealing with a lot of off-pitch issues. A Brazilian woman accused him of raping her at a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual.&nbsp;

Lately, Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.&nbsp;

He also suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America last week and in his absence, Brazil beat comfortably Bolivia 3-0 in the Copa America's opener and leads with three points the Group A.&nbsp;

Brazilian football coach Tite gave guidance to Neymar to play for a club where he would feel happy as a person amid increasing rumours of the PSG player wishing to return to FC Barcelona.

Brazilian football coach Tite gave guidance to Neymar to play for a club where he would feel happy as a person amid increasing rumours of the PSG player wishing to return to FC Barcelona. "It is about where you feel good, where you feel happy, there are several other factors," said Tite on being asked what advice he could give Neymar regarding latest rumours of leaving PSG. "If it was me, I would go to a place where I would feel happy as a person, as a human being, as a family. Because, from there, I will be better professionally," the Brazilian coach further added. Currently, Neymar is dealing with a lot of off-pitch issues. A Brazilian woman accused him of raping her at a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual. Lately, Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute. He also suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America last week and in his absence, Brazil beat comfortably Bolivia 3-0 in the Copa America's opener and leads with three points the Group A.

Play where you feel happy, said Tite on Neymar leaving PSG

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans.

Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17wn7Hd-iYAj1m3Ja3u2YP">Philippe Coutinho</a> looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho.

After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans.

"Long live VAR," Dudamel said.

"We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-booed-by-fans-after-teams-lacklustre-display-227349&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmhqvV7_TiAhUE5o8KHfFwDx8QFjAJegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ndfnH2hGt0maErM-RmLuf">Brazil </a>put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters.

"This is a historic result for us,"&nbsp;Dudamel added.

Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points.

Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday.

The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third.

Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way.

WASTED CHANCES

David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval.

The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymars-absence-could-be-blessing-in-disguise-for-copa-america-hosts-brazil-226145&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6v6Pt7_TiAhUI3Y8KHb3WD-oQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tewzoyDkh_U7ix4_DQfQP">Brazil </a>defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting.

"In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said.

But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations.

"We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rode to Venezuela's rescue once again at the Copa America on Tuesday, denying hosts Brazil two goals in a surprise 0-0 draw in Group A. Brazil, who had another goal chopped off by the referee, were left to rue a series of missed chances in another sub-par performance that did little to excite the home fans. Roberto Firmino had a goal disallowed late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a VAR review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up. Philippe Coutinho looked to have found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again, this time for Firmino appearing to handle the ball before it dropped to Coutinho. After the game, Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel sang the praises of the technology, which has saved his side on four occasions so far. Peru were also denied two goals by VAR in their opening 0-0 draw with the Venezuelans. "Long live VAR," Dudamel said. "We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals. Brazil put us to the test but the team understood what needed to be done and remembered what tactics we needed to deploy," he told reporters. "This is a historic result for us," Dudamel added. Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points. Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on Saturday. The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third. Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start here they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way. WASTED CHANCES David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez early on, while substitute Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted chances to win the game after the interval. The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time. Brazil defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting. "In the second half, they (Venezuela) practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like everything is wrong," he said. But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations. "We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," Tite said.

Copa America: Brazil have three goals denied by VAR in draw with Venezuela

Paris St Germain forward Neymar's appeal against a three-match Champions League ban for insulting match officials following the French side's elimination from the competition last season has been rejected, UEFA said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-appears-to-strike-fan-after-psg-lose-french-cup-final-214591&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb25P6y_XiAhUCaI8KHdQVDmIQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aF6_XT_sbxCgVzZJDEc-G">Neymar </a>had labelled the video assistant referee system a "disgrace" after Manchester United were awarded a decisive last-gap penalty at the Parc des Princes which they converted to advance to the quarter-finals on away goals.

The Brazilian was suspended in April for three Champions League matches and PSG appealed the decision.

"The appeal lodged by PSG is rejected. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's decision of April 25 is confirmed," UEFA said in a statement.

Neymar's woes continue to mount this week, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.

In addition, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that the Brazilian police are investigating but the player has denied.

Neymar was <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-out-of-copa-america-after-tearing-ankle-ligament-224880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb25P6y_XiAhUCaI8KHdQVDmIQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1FA9_e5bVryQoKOjctVnwu">ruled out the Copa America</a> in his home country because of an ankle ligament injury.

Paris St Germain forward Neymar's appeal against a three-match Champions League ban for insulting match officials following the French side's elimination from the competition last season has been rejected, UEFA said on Wednesday.

Paris St Germain forward Neymar's appeal against a three-match Champions League ban for insulting match officials following the French side's elimination from the competition last season has been rejected, UEFA said on Wednesday. Neymar had labelled the video assistant referee system a "disgrace" after Manchester United were awarded a decisive last-gap penalty at the Parc des Princes which they converted to advance to the quarter-finals on away goals. The Brazilian was suspended in April for three Champions League matches and PSG appealed the decision. "The appeal lodged by PSG is rejected. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's decision of April 25 is confirmed," UEFA said in a statement. Neymar's woes continue to mount this week, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute. In addition, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that the Brazilian police are investigating but the player has denied. Neymar was ruled out the Copa America in his home country because of an ankle ligament injury.

UEFA reject PSG's appeal to overturn Neymar's Champions League ban

Brazil's Marta and Australia's Sam Kerr script history at FIFA Women's World Cup

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-roger-martinez-cracker-helps-colombia-past-argentina-227523">defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina</a> 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet.&nbsp;

"Right now we are not where we want to be but we not far away. I think, step-by-step, we are doing things well," said the Everton defender while speaking to media at the Palmeiras training center in Sao Paulo on Monday.

Colombia have won the Copa America title in 2001 and they were runners-up in 1975, and they entered the tournament as favourites.&nbsp;

Colombia have under-achieved in their recent Copa outings but now they look determined to do better this year, especially under the orders of the highly-experienced Queiroz.&nbsp;

"Individually, I'm very happy because the team is united and calm," said Mina.&nbsp;

"To be honest, if we want to achieve something (important), we must work hard and that's what we are doing, especially understanding what the coach wants from us - which is very important," he added.&nbsp;

If Colombia manage to defeat Qatar, they are through to the knock-out round but Qatar could be a difficult quest.&nbsp;

Qatar fought back a 2-0 deficit against Paraguay to gain a point last Sunday.&nbsp;

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet.

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet. "Right now we are not where we want to be but we not far away. I think, step-by-step, we are doing things well," said the Everton defender while speaking to media at the Palmeiras training center in Sao Paulo on Monday. Colombia have won the Copa America title in 2001 and they were runners-up in 1975, and they entered the tournament as favourites. Colombia have under-achieved in their recent Copa outings but now they look determined to do better this year, especially under the orders of the highly-experienced Queiroz. "Individually, I'm very happy because the team is united and calm," said Mina. "To be honest, if we want to achieve something (important), we must work hard and that's what we are doing, especially understanding what the coach wants from us - which is very important," he added. If Colombia manage to defeat Qatar, they are through to the knock-out round but Qatar could be a difficult quest. Qatar fought back a 2-0 deficit against Paraguay to gain a point last Sunday.

Copa America: Colombia not far away, says defender Yerry Mina

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shape-up-or-ship-out-neymar-in-question-as-psg-chief-blasts-clubs-celebrity-behaviour-227930">Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar</a>'s off-pitch woes continue to mount, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute, local media reported Monday.

The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that Brazilian authorities blocked 36 properties in Brazil as they seek $18 million&nbsp;in back taxes. They claim that amount is due in connection with Neymar's 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona.

The action means Neymar can use the properties but not sell them.

Folha cited an unspecified court ruling as approving the action by Brazil tax authorities. It was not immediately possible to locate the ruling.

Brazil's tax agency did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Neymar did not have a comment.

In addition to his tax fight, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that Brazilian police are investigating.

A Brazilian woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month. He denies the allegation and says the relationship was consensual.

On Sunday, a report in L'Equipe said that Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to sell Neymar, as chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi warned that irresponsible behaviour from players won't be tolerated anymore.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar's off-pitch woes continue to mount, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute, local media reported Monday.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar's off-pitch woes continue to mount, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute, local media reported Monday. The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that Brazilian authorities blocked 36 properties in Brazil as they seek $18 million in back taxes. They claim that amount is due in connection with Neymar's 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona. The action means Neymar can use the properties but not sell them. Folha cited an unspecified court ruling as approving the action by Brazil tax authorities. It was not immediately possible to locate the ruling. Brazil's tax agency did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Neymar did not have a comment. In addition to his tax fight, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that Brazilian police are investigating. A Brazilian woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month. He denies the allegation and says the relationship was consensual. On Sunday, a report in L'Equipe said that Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to sell Neymar, as chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi warned that irresponsible behaviour from players won't be tolerated anymore.

Brazil authorities put freeze on Neymar mansions amid tax dispute

Leaked personal messages published on Saturday by a news website show the judge who led the corruption trial that jailed former Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advised prosecutors to influence public opinion against the leftist leader.

The Intercept posted what it said were social media chats from then judge Sergio Moro to the prosecution team, suggesting prosecutors make a public statement playing up what Moro said were contradictions in Lula`s testimony to undermine his claim to be a victim of political persecution.

The exchange occurred after Lula`s May 10, 2017 deposition against charges that he took a beachside luxury apartment as a bribe. Lula left the court room to tell supporters that he was being "massacred" and was preparing to run for president again.

Moro, who is now Brazil`s justice minister, questioned the authenticity of the messages and said he would not comment on texts obtained by hackers.&nbsp;

"The supposed material, obtained in a criminal way, must be presented to an independent authority so that its integrity can be certified," he said in a statement.

The texts copied off the Telegram messaging app appear to show Moro suggesting to prosecutors that they mount a public campaign against the man he was judging, and The Intercept said they raised doubts about Moro`s impartiality in the trial that led to a 12-year prison sentence for Lula.

"Maybe tomorrow you should write a statement clarifying the contradictions between (Lula`s) deposition and the rest of the proof and his previous statement," the judge wrote to prosecutor Carlos dos Santos Lima on the corruption investigation.

Lula`s lawyers said the messages confirmed their accusation that the former president was "a victim of lawfare" and a "state-sponsored persecution."

Lula`s lawyers have long argued that Moro was a politically motivated judge who wanted to jail their client to block him from running for the presidency last year, when opinion polls showed him easily leading the race, even after he had been jailed.&nbsp;

In an interview published on Friday, Moro told the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper that he was not worried that the corruption conviction against Lula would be overturned, which legal experts including the Brazilian Bar Association and some Supreme Court Justices have said could happen.

The Intercept has published stories based on what it said was an "enormous trove" of messages received from an anonymous source containing exchanges between prosecutors, Moro and others involved in the investigation and prosecution of the "Car Wash" corruption probe.&nbsp;

Considered the world`s largest graft investigation, it has uncovered billions of dollars of bribes paid in schemes mostly involving sweetheart contracts at state-run firms. It has brought down hundreds of members of the business and political elite in Brazil and across Latin America.

Moro told the newspaper he did not think there was anything illegal in his chats with prosecutors and insisted that Lula`s case "was decided with absolute impartiality based on proof without any type of influence."

Moro was picked for justice minister by right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who won the presidency after Lula was barred from running because of his conviction.&nbsp;

Leaked personal messages published on Saturday by a news website show the judge who led the corruption trial that jailed former Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advised prosecutors to influence public opinion against the leftist leader.

Leaked personal messages published on Saturday by a news website show the judge who led the corruption trial that jailed former Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advised prosecutors to influence public opinion against the leftist leader. The Intercept posted what it said were social media chats from then judge Sergio Moro to the prosecution team, suggesting prosecutors make a public statement playing up what Moro said were contradictions in Lula`s testimony to undermine his claim to be a victim of political persecution. The exchange occurred after Lula`s May 10, 2017 deposition against charges that he took a beachside luxury apartment as a bribe. Lula left the court room to tell supporters that he was being "massacred" and was preparing to run for president again. Moro, who is now Brazil`s justice minister, questioned the authenticity of the messages and said he would not comment on texts obtained by hackers. "The supposed material, obtained in a criminal way, must be presented to an independent authority so that its integrity can be certified," he said in a statement. The texts copied off the Telegram messaging app appear to show Moro suggesting to prosecutors that they mount a public campaign against the man he was judging, and The Intercept said they raised doubts about Moro`s impartiality in the trial that led to a 12-year prison sentence for Lula. "Maybe tomorrow you should write a statement clarifying the contradictions between (Lula`s) deposition and the rest of the proof and his previous statement," the judge wrote to prosecutor Carlos dos Santos Lima on the corruption investigation. Lula`s lawyers said the messages confirmed their accusation that the former president was "a victim of lawfare" and a "state-sponsored persecution." Lula`s lawyers have long argued that Moro was a politically motivated judge who wanted to jail their client to block him from running for the presidency last year, when opinion polls showed him easily leading the race, even after he had been jailed. In an interview published on Friday, Moro told the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper that he was not worried that the corruption conviction against Lula would be overturned, which legal experts including the Brazilian Bar Association and some Supreme Court Justices have said could happen. The Intercept has published stories based on what it said was an "enormous trove" of messages received from an anonymous source containing exchanges between prosecutors, Moro and others involved in the investigation and prosecution of the "Car Wash" corruption probe. Considered the world`s largest graft investigation, it has uncovered billions of dollars of bribes paid in schemes mostly involving sweetheart contracts at state-run firms. It has brought down hundreds of members of the business and political elite in Brazil and across Latin America. Moro told the newspaper he did not think there was anything illegal in his chats with prosecutors and insisted that Lula`s case "was decided with absolute impartiality based on proof without any type of influence." Moro was picked for justice minister by right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who won the presidency after Lula was barred from running because of his conviction.

Brazil: Leaked chats appear to show judge advised prosecutors in President Lula's case

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-out-of-copa-america-after-tearing-ankle-ligament-224880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1VCwCOldIKCAdXcmgbS243"> Copa America</a> on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten.

Barcelona's Coutinho scored from the penalty spot early in the second half and added a close-range header three minutes later.

Substitute Everton netted a sensational third five minutes from time to clinch a Group A victory for coach Tite's tournament favourites in Sao Paulo.

The build-up to the competition had been dominated by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-records-statement-at-rio-police-station-over-rape-accusation-225168&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigm7_j5-riAhWIsY8KHfyzAhUQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GxhdGVV5VrY7lqfPFXnI6">Neymar's </a>woes, firstly when he was accused of rape by a Brazilian model, and then when he damaged ankle ligaments in a friendly last week, forcing him out of the Copa.

If Brazil's first-half performance was anything to go by, the Paris Saint-Germain star was sorely missed, but Coutinho's brace at least silenced the jeers that met the team at half-time.

"Whistles are part of the game, the fans want us to win and play well, so that's why they jeer," said the match-winner, whose goals papered over the cracks of an at times disjointed performance.

"We always want their support but we're focused on the objective, which is the match," Coutinho told Brazil's SportTV.

"Whistles or cheers, the important thing is to stay focused and get the win," he said.

Brazil made a bright start and predictably dominated the early possession and chances.

But surprisingly their greatest threat came from set-pieces with Coutinho's corner delivery causing panic in the Bolivian backline.

Bolivia's goalkeeper Carlos Lampe made an instinctive block from a Roberto Firmino flick that came straight at him.

And a few minutes later, towering centre-half Thiago Silva was left unmarked eight yards out to meet another Coutinho delivery, but he inexplicably headed well wide.

The pitch at the Morumbi stadium wasn't helping flowing football, with Bolivia, in particular, struggling to string passes together.

"We've got to be honest, Brazil beat us and beat us well," said Bolivia coach Eduardo Villegas.

Brazil, wearing white shirts and blue shorts, weaved almost geometric patterns around their unambitious visitors but struggled to test Lampe.

Their best chances came from Bolivian mistakes and Richarlison should have scored into an open goal when a woeful Lampe clearance went straight to him, but the Everton forward failed to lift the ball over defender Adrian Jusino, who headed clear from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Barrage of jeers 
 
With 10 men behind the ball, Bolivia were proving hard to break down but Casemiro went close with what appeared to be a shanked cross that drifted just beyond Lampe's far post with the goalkeeper scrambling to cover it.

Tite's team were treated to a barrage of jeers from the 67,000 crowd when the half-time whistle went.

Bolivia's best moment had perhaps been a cheeky nutmeg of Casemiro by Raul Castro on the edge of his own 18-yard box. It had been slim pickings.

Fans' spirits were quickly lifted after the restart, though, as Coutinho fired home from the spot on 50 minutes after a contentious penalty award.

Richarlison's attempted cross struck Jusino's arm, which was by his side and only slightly away from his body, but after consulting the video assistant referee, Argentine handler Nestor Pitana pointed to the spot.

Bolivia were stunned and just three minutes later their defence went missing as Firmino reached the bye line and chipped the ball to the back post for Coutinho to head home from barely two yards out.

Reluctant to push men forward, Bolivia never looked like getting back into the match.

"If you want to qualify (for the knock-out stages) you have to attack a little more," admitted Villegas.

And Coutinho's corners continued to present <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-loses-brazil-captaincy-to-dani-alves-for-copa-america-222156&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36vfJ6e1uHVvi82d-ZVwx7">Brazil </a>with their best chances, as Marquinhos headed straight at Lampe from seven yards with 15 minutes left.

The game had slowed to almost walking pace when substitute Everton scored a sensational third, cutting in from the left wing before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner with Lampe rooted to the spot.

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the Copa America on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten.

A brace from Philippe Coutinho handed hosts Brazil a winning start to the Copa America on Friday in a 3-0 victory over Bolivia as the absence of superstar Neymar was quickly forgotten. Barcelona's Coutinho scored from the penalty spot early in the second half and added a close-range header three minutes later. Substitute Everton netted a sensational third five minutes from time to clinch a Group A victory for coach Tite's tournament favourites in Sao Paulo. The build-up to the competition had been dominated by Neymar's woes, firstly when he was accused of rape by a Brazilian model, and then when he damaged ankle ligaments in a friendly last week, forcing him out of the Copa. If Brazil's first-half performance was anything to go by, the Paris Saint-Germain star was sorely missed, but Coutinho's brace at least silenced the jeers that met the team at half-time. "Whistles are part of the game, the fans want us to win and play well, so that's why they jeer," said the match-winner, whose goals papered over the cracks of an at times disjointed performance. "We always want their support but we're focused on the objective, which is the match," Coutinho told Brazil's SportTV. "Whistles or cheers, the important thing is to stay focused and get the win," he said. Brazil made a bright start and predictably dominated the early possession and chances. But surprisingly their greatest threat came from set-pieces with Coutinho's corner delivery causing panic in the Bolivian backline. Bolivia's goalkeeper Carlos Lampe made an instinctive block from a Roberto Firmino flick that came straight at him. And a few minutes later, towering centre-half Thiago Silva was left unmarked eight yards out to meet another Coutinho delivery, but he inexplicably headed well wide. The pitch at the Morumbi stadium wasn't helping flowing football, with Bolivia, in particular, struggling to string passes together. "We've got to be honest, Brazil beat us and beat us well," said Bolivia coach Eduardo Villegas. Brazil, wearing white shirts and blue shorts, weaved almost geometric patterns around their unambitious visitors but struggled to test Lampe. Their best chances came from Bolivian mistakes and Richarlison should have scored into an open goal when a woeful Lampe clearance went straight to him, but the Everton forward failed to lift the ball over defender Adrian Jusino, who headed clear from the edge of the 18-yard box. Barrage of jeers With 10 men behind the ball, Bolivia were proving hard to break down but Casemiro went close with what appeared to be a shanked cross that drifted just beyond Lampe's far post with the goalkeeper scrambling to cover it. Tite's team were treated to a barrage of jeers from the 67,000 crowd when the half-time whistle went. Bolivia's best moment had perhaps been a cheeky nutmeg of Casemiro by Raul Castro on the edge of his own 18-yard box. It had been slim pickings. Fans' spirits were quickly lifted after the restart, though, as Coutinho fired home from the spot on 50 minutes after a contentious penalty award. Richarlison's attempted cross struck Jusino's arm, which was by his side and only slightly away from his body, but after consulting the video assistant referee, Argentine handler Nestor Pitana pointed to the spot. Bolivia were stunned and just three minutes later their defence went missing as Firmino reached the bye line and chipped the ball to the back post for Coutinho to head home from barely two yards out. Reluctant to push men forward, Bolivia never looked like getting back into the match. "If you want to qualify (for the knock-out stages) you have to attack a little more," admitted Villegas. And Coutinho's corners continued to present Brazil with their best chances, as Marquinhos headed straight at Lampe from seven yards with 15 minutes left. The game had slowed to almost walking pace when substitute Everton scored a sensational third, cutting in from the left wing before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner with Lampe rooted to the spot.

Philippe Coutinho helps Brazil forget Neymar in winning Copa America start

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257">Brazil got the win they wanted</a> in their Copa America opener on Friday but the postmortem of the 3-0 victory over Bolivia was as much about the lack of atmosphere as the lacklustre display.

The 46,342 fans, who turned out to see the match at Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium were not impressed and the team were booed at halftime with the scores tied at 0-0.

The entire game at the stadium, which was 70 per cent&nbsp;full, was notable for the lack of atmosphere.

Coach Tite admitted the players heard the boos and said it was not realistic to expect supporters to cheer a team that was not playing well.

"We felt it!" Tite told reporters. "Young lads feel it. The coach feels it.

"Having been at big clubs, when you sometimes don't produce, then don't expect the fans to understand. They will boo. When you pass the ball along the back, from full back to central defender to goalkeeper, the first thing you here is BOOOOOOO!"

"We need to understand. If we get forward and create chances then they will applaud."

Crowds in Brazil's two big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are known to be notoriously fickle and captain Daniel Alves hoped the home fans would get more behind their team when they take on Venezuela in his home state of Bahia on Tuesday.

"This is normal in Sao Paulo, there are lot of fans of clubs so it's always complicated playing here, but we showed personality," Alves said.

"There was even a moment when Tite shouted and you could hear it out on the pitch.

"It's different in Bahia. People miss the Brazil team, and the energy that we bring. For sure, things will be more animated than here."

Brazil got the win they wanted in their Copa America opener on Friday but the postmortem of the 3-0 victory over Bolivia was as much about the lack of atmosphere as the lacklustre display.

Brazil got the win they wanted in their Copa America opener on Friday but the postmortem of the 3-0 victory over Bolivia was as much about the lack of atmosphere as the lacklustre display. The 46,342 fans, who turned out to see the match at Sao Paulo's Morumbi stadium were not impressed and the team were booed at halftime with the scores tied at 0-0. The entire game at the stadium, which was 70 per cent full, was notable for the lack of atmosphere. Coach Tite admitted the players heard the boos and said it was not realistic to expect supporters to cheer a team that was not playing well. "We felt it!" Tite told reporters. "Young lads feel it. The coach feels it. "Having been at big clubs, when you sometimes don't produce, then don't expect the fans to understand. They will boo. When you pass the ball along the back, from full back to central defender to goalkeeper, the first thing you here is BOOOOOOO!" "We need to understand. If we get forward and create chances then they will applaud." Crowds in Brazil's two big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are known to be notoriously fickle and captain Daniel Alves hoped the home fans would get more behind their team when they take on Venezuela in his home state of Bahia on Tuesday. "This is normal in Sao Paulo, there are lot of fans of clubs so it's always complicated playing here, but we showed personality," Alves said. "There was even a moment when Tite shouted and you could hear it out on the pitch. "It's different in Bahia. People miss the Brazil team, and the energy that we bring. For sure, things will be more animated than here."

Copa America: Brazil booed by fans after team's lacklustre display

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period."

Adelio Bispo de Oliveira stabbed Bolsonaro in the stomach on September 6 during a campaign rally in Juiz de Fora, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

Police previously said Bispo acted alone in a premeditated political attack that almost cost Bolsonaro his life.

Bispo suffers a delusional disorder and for that reason cannot be tried under Brazilian law, the federal judge ruled.&nbsp;

However owing to the "high risk" to himself and his wish to attack Bolsonaro and former president Michel Temer, Bispo should remain in a federal prison where he can receive treatment, the judge said.

Bolsonaro said he would try to have the decision overturned.

Bolsonaro thinks that declaring Bispo mentally ill is a way to protect the attack masterminds.

"They tried to kill me. I am certain who they were, but I can't say, I don't want to prejudge anyone," he told local media.

"This is a crime against a presidential candidate who now has the mandate and we must go to the final consequences of that situation."

Bolsonaro vowed to appeal.

"I will contact my lawyer. I will try to do whatever is possible," he said.&nbsp;

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period.

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period." Adelio Bispo de Oliveira stabbed Bolsonaro in the stomach on September 6 during a campaign rally in Juiz de Fora, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. Police previously said Bispo acted alone in a premeditated political attack that almost cost Bolsonaro his life. Bispo suffers a delusional disorder and for that reason cannot be tried under Brazilian law, the federal judge ruled. However owing to the "high risk" to himself and his wish to attack Bolsonaro and former president Michel Temer, Bispo should remain in a federal prison where he can receive treatment, the judge said. Bolsonaro said he would try to have the decision overturned. Bolsonaro thinks that declaring Bispo mentally ill is a way to protect the attack masterminds. "They tried to kill me. I am certain who they were, but I can't say, I don't want to prejudge anyone," he told local media. "This is a crime against a presidential candidate who now has the mandate and we must go to the final consequences of that situation." Bolsonaro vowed to appeal. "I will contact my lawyer. I will try to do whatever is possible," he said.

Man who stabbed Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro jailed indefinitely

Brazil`s Supreme Court has criminalised discrimination and hateful acts against gays and transgenders.

The court on Thursday ruled with eight votes in favours out of 11 for the law.&nbsp;

According to the court`s ruling, the homophobic and transphobic violence falls under the existing anti-racism laws.

Justice Carmen Lucia, who supports the new policy, said the court can`t deny protection "to those who have at times been denied the right to life, and most often to the right to liberty and dignity, by the absence of legislation," the Hill reported.

The court ruled unanimously in 2011 that every state in Brazil had to recognize same-sex civil unions.&nbsp;

However, the country has not passed reinforcing legislation.

Along with that, there is no provision to protect the LGBT community from harassment.

Some gay groups have earlier said that they have faced more threats of violence and hostility following the election of the country`s president, Jair Bolsonaro, last year.

Brazil has one of the world highest murder rates when it comes to individuals in the LGBT community. In 2018, 420 LGBT people were killed across the country.

Brazil`s Supreme Court has criminalised discrimination and hateful acts against gays and transgenders. The court on Thursday ruled with eight votes in favours out of 11 for the law.

Brazil`s Supreme Court has criminalised discrimination and hateful acts against gays and transgenders. The court on Thursday ruled with eight votes in favours out of 11 for the law. According to the court`s ruling, the homophobic and transphobic violence falls under the existing anti-racism laws. Justice Carmen Lucia, who supports the new policy, said the court can`t deny protection "to those who have at times been denied the right to life, and most often to the right to liberty and dignity, by the absence of legislation," the Hill reported. The court ruled unanimously in 2011 that every state in Brazil had to recognize same-sex civil unions. However, the country has not passed reinforcing legislation. Along with that, there is no provision to protect the LGBT community from harassment. Some gay groups have earlier said that they have faced more threats of violence and hostility following the election of the country`s president, Jair Bolsonaro, last year. Brazil has one of the world highest murder rates when it comes to individuals in the LGBT community. In 2018, 420 LGBT people were killed across the country.

Brazil criminalises anti-LGBT discrimination

Brazilian police questioned Neymar for five hours on Thursday over allegations he raped a woman he met through social media in a Paris hotel last month -- charges he has denied.

"The truth appears sooner or later," the world's most expensive footballer, who walked on crutches after injuring his right ankle in a pre-Copa America friendly against Qatar last week that forced him out of South America's showcase tournament, told reporters.

The footballer, aged 27, arrived at the police station shortly before 4:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) and left at around 9:00 pm.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-lawyer-for-neymars-rape-accuser-considers-dropping-case-report-225793&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid3a7msujiAhWHK48KHa3vBX0QFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2j2KsCTf_MhfEb82mAgtNm">Neymar's </a>appearance comes after Brazilian police said on Thursday that they had filed a defamation suit against his rape accuser for insinuating the force was corrupt.

During an interview with television channel SBT this week, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-who-accused-brazils-neymar-of-rape-gives-details-in-tv-interview-224860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid3a7msujiAhWHK48KHa3vBX0QFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3fgn7nLwI7IkE3xrgN_43b">Najila Trindade </a>said,&nbsp;"The police are bought, aren't they? Or am I crazy?", in response to questions over the police investigation of an alleged theft of a tablet device from her home that contained a short video she claims has conclusive evidence she was assaulted.

The ugly affair has dominated headlines in Brazil as it prepares to host the Copa America and tarnished the festive atmosphere ahead of Friday's opening game between the Selecao and Bolivia.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid3a7msujiAhWHK48KHa3vBX0QFjAIegQIAhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1fXHyIOtSbOVoyHDR-LNOq">Neymar</a>, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, previously gave a statement to Rio de Janeiro police over WhatsApp messages posted on his Instagram account that featured intimate photos of Trindade.

He told police that an assistant and a technician were responsible for sharing the messages and photos, TV Globo reported previously.

More than 60 per cent of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid3a7msujiAhWHK48KHa3vBX0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aNrB7RFtfz6OxXmWj_SkJ">Brazilians </a>believe Neymar is innocent, according to a recent poll of 2,071 people last week.

Only 14 per cent think he is guilty, Parana Pesquisas said.

Brazilian police questioned Neymar for five hours on Thursday over allegations he raped a woman he met through social media in a Paris hotel last month -- charges he has denied.

Brazilian police questioned Neymar for five hours on Thursday over allegations he raped a woman he met through social media in a Paris hotel last month -- charges he has denied. "The truth appears sooner or later," the world's most expensive footballer, who walked on crutches after injuring his right ankle in a pre-Copa America friendly against Qatar last week that forced him out of South America's showcase tournament, told reporters. The footballer, aged 27, arrived at the police station shortly before 4:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) and left at around 9:00 pm. Neymar's appearance comes after Brazilian police said on Thursday that they had filed a defamation suit against his rape accuser for insinuating the force was corrupt. During an interview with television channel SBT this week, Najila Trindade said, "The police are bought, aren't they? Or am I crazy?", in response to questions over the police investigation of an alleged theft of a tablet device from her home that contained a short video she claims has conclusive evidence she was assaulted. The ugly affair has dominated headlines in Brazil as it prepares to host the Copa America and tarnished the festive atmosphere ahead of Friday's opening game between the Selecao and Bolivia. Neymar, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, previously gave a statement to Rio de Janeiro police over WhatsApp messages posted on his Instagram account that featured intimate photos of Trindade. He told police that an assistant and a technician were responsible for sharing the messages and photos, TV Globo reported previously. More than 60 per cent of Brazilians believe Neymar is innocent, according to a recent poll of 2,071 people last week. Only 14 per cent think he is guilty, Parana Pesquisas said.

Neymar questioned for five hours by Brazil police over alleged rape charges

For the two dozen players that make up the Bigtboys soccer squad in Brazil, the training pitch is one of the few places where they feel at ease and can talk about their experiences, good and bad, without fear.

Brazil transgender football team fights prejudice

Brazil expect to win every tournament they play, especially at home, but they go into next week’s Copa America without their talisman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-lawyer-for-neymars-rape-accuser-considers-dropping-case-report-225793&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT6tXV2-DiAhUETY8KHX0YA4MQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3VGN4sAfdNKUNAWCCacQ_p">Neymar</a> and lacking some of the sparkle that has long been their stock in trade.

They have not lost since Belgium dumped them out of the 2018 World Cup in the quarter-finals but their 10-game unbeaten run – with the exception of last week’s 7-0 drubbing of 10-man Honduras - has come largely without the usual flair.

Brazil's preparations for the Copa have been overshadowed by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT6tXV2-DiAhUETY8KHX0YA4MQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0usj3DzFXIy7pNtdsqaWqB">Neymar </a>-- firstly the rape allegations against the striker, which he has denied, and then the ankle injury that ruled him out the tournament last week.

Tite's squad is as good as any in the tournament but the coach is trying to manage a generational change and said that choosing his squad of 23 players was the "most difficult" task he had faced since taking over three years ago.

Brazil have included only 14 of the squad that went to the World Cup in Russia a year ago, with Everton’s Richarlison, David Neres of Ajax Amsterdam and midfielders Artur of Barcelona and Luca Paqueta of AC Milan among the young recruits.

Apart from home advantage, they are fortunate to be in one of the easier groups with Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela.

The big question will be how they cope without <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/woman-who-accuses-neymar-of-rape-gives-details-in-tv-interview-224882&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT6tXV2-DiAhUETY8KHX0YA4MQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1od4TD4Hni8uVv5Hy17UJr">Neymar </a>but his absence could be a blessing in disguise.

With the Paris St-Germain forward gone, there will be less of a circus atmosphere around the squad and the focus will be firmly on the pitch.

His teammates will want to show they can do it without their undisputed leader and they may also take the opportunity to show their solidarity and try to win the trophy for Neymar.

The win over Honduras in their last warm-up game, with Philippe Coutinho resurgent and six different players getting their names on the scoresheet, was an encouraging sign.

Brazil have won the Copa America eight times but not since 2007 and that trophy drought – compounded by a failure to win the World Cup since 2002 - is a long one by Brazilian standards.

Fans expect a home triumph and, even though the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation last week said Tite’s job was safe no matter what happens, fans will not spare him unless Brazil win, or lose playing beautiful football.

But the coach was his usual inscrutable self when asked what he hoped to achieve over the next three weeks.

"We are playing in our own country, and expectations are high that we win. But the expectation corresponds to how we perform. Are we going to win? I don’t know. But I want us to do the best we can," Tite&nbsp;said.

Brazil expect to win every tournament they play, especially at home, but they go into next week’s Copa America without their talisman Neymar and lacking some of the sparkle that has long been their stock in trade.

Brazil expect to win every tournament they play, especially at home, but they go into next week’s Copa America without their talisman Neymar and lacking some of the sparkle that has long been their stock in trade. They have not lost since Belgium dumped them out of the 2018 World Cup in the quarter-finals but their 10-game unbeaten run – with the exception of last week’s 7-0 drubbing of 10-man Honduras - has come largely without the usual flair. Brazil's preparations for the Copa have been overshadowed by Neymar -- firstly the rape allegations against the striker, which he has denied, and then the ankle injury that ruled him out the tournament last week. Tite's squad is as good as any in the tournament but the coach is trying to manage a generational change and said that choosing his squad of 23 players was the "most difficult" task he had faced since taking over three years ago. Brazil have included only 14 of the squad that went to the World Cup in Russia a year ago, with Everton’s Richarlison, David Neres of Ajax Amsterdam and midfielders Artur of Barcelona and Luca Paqueta of AC Milan among the young recruits. Apart from home advantage, they are fortunate to be in one of the easier groups with Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela. The big question will be how they cope without Neymar but his absence could be a blessing in disguise. With the Paris St-Germain forward gone, there will be less of a circus atmosphere around the squad and the focus will be firmly on the pitch. His teammates will want to show they can do it without their undisputed leader and they may also take the opportunity to show their solidarity and try to win the trophy for Neymar. The win over Honduras in their last warm-up game, with Philippe Coutinho resurgent and six different players getting their names on the scoresheet, was an encouraging sign. Brazil have won the Copa America eight times but not since 2007 and that trophy drought – compounded by a failure to win the World Cup since 2002 - is a long one by Brazilian standards. Fans expect a home triumph and, even though the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation last week said Tite’s job was safe no matter what happens, fans will not spare him unless Brazil win, or lose playing beautiful football. But the coach was his usual inscrutable self when asked what he hoped to achieve over the next three weeks. "We are playing in our own country, and expectations are high that we win. But the expectation corresponds to how we perform. Are we going to win? I don’t know. But I want us to do the best we can," Tite said.

Neymar's absence could be blessing in disguise for Copa America hosts Brazil

Preview of the 12 teams taking part in 2019 Copa America

The new lawyer of the woman at the centre of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-records-statement-at-rio-police-station-over-rape-accusation-225168">alleged rape scandal</a> involving Neymar is considering withdrawing from the case if his client fails to provide further evidence, Brazilian news website G1 reported.

Danilo Garcia Andrade took on Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza's lawsuit earlier this week, and is said to want to see the content of a seven-minute video filmed during the model's second meeting with the Brazil star in Paris.

Trindade maintains the recording, of which a few seconds have been leaked on social media, includes conclusive evidence. It formed a part of the testimony she presented to Brazilian police on Friday.

The images were filmed on a tablet device which has been stolen, according to Trindade, but the owners of the building where she lives have denied claims of a forced break-in.

According to G1, she also claims to possess other proof held in a safe.

Trindade's original lawyers walked away from her case because she had initially filed a complaint of physical abuse and not rape.&nbsp;

Her testimony came a day after Neymar went to a Rio de Janeiro police station, sitting in a wheelchair after injuring his ankle in Wednesday's friendly against Qatar which ruled him out of this year's Copa America.

The new lawyer of the woman at the centre of an alleged rape scandal involving Neymar is considering withdrawing from the case if his client fails to provide further evidence, Brazilian news website G1 reported.

The new lawyer of the woman at the centre of an alleged rape scandal involving Neymar is considering withdrawing from the case if his client fails to provide further evidence, Brazilian news website G1 reported. Danilo Garcia Andrade took on Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza's lawsuit earlier this week, and is said to want to see the content of a seven-minute video filmed during the model's second meeting with the Brazil star in Paris. Trindade maintains the recording, of which a few seconds have been leaked on social media, includes conclusive evidence. It formed a part of the testimony she presented to Brazilian police on Friday. The images were filmed on a tablet device which has been stolen, according to Trindade, but the owners of the building where she lives have denied claims of a forced break-in. According to G1, she also claims to possess other proof held in a safe. Trindade's original lawyers walked away from her case because she had initially filed a complaint of physical abuse and not rape. Her testimony came a day after Neymar went to a Rio de Janeiro police station, sitting in a wheelchair after injuring his ankle in Wednesday's friendly against Qatar which ruled him out of this year's Copa America.

New lawyer for Neymar's rape accuser considers dropping case: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-records-statement-at-rio-police-station-over-rape-accusation-225168">Neymar</a> is expected to be sidelined for four weeks by the ankle injury that has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-neymar-out-of-copa-america-after-tearing-ankle-ligament-224880">ruled him out of the Copa America</a> with Brazil, his club Paris Saint-Germain said Saturday.

Two club doctors diagnosed his injury as a "sprain of the lateral ligament" in his right ankle, adding he would not require surgery and would instead receive "conservative treatment".

Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America after hurting himself during the 2-0 win over Qatar in a friendly on Wednesday, capping a nightmare year for the world's most expensive player who faces accusations of rape which he strongly denies.

A distraught-looking Neymar covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the field in the 20th minute.

His place in the Brazil squad will be taken by Chelsea's Willian.

The four-week timeline for Neymar's recovery would see him return in time for the start of the new French season, which begins over the weekend of August 10-11

Neymar is expected to be sidelined for four weeks by the ankle injury that has ruled him out of the Copa America with Brazil, his club Paris Saint-Germain said Saturday.

Neymar is expected to be sidelined for four weeks by the ankle injury that has ruled him out of the Copa America with Brazil, his club Paris Saint-Germain said Saturday. Two club doctors diagnosed his injury as a "sprain of the lateral ligament" in his right ankle, adding he would not require surgery and would instead receive "conservative treatment". Neymar was ruled out of the Copa America after hurting himself during the 2-0 win over Qatar in a friendly on Wednesday, capping a nightmare year for the world's most expensive player who faces accusations of rape which he strongly denies. A distraught-looking Neymar covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench after hobbling from the field in the 20th minute. His place in the Brazil squad will be taken by Chelsea's Willian. The four-week timeline for Neymar's recovery would see him return in time for the start of the new French season, which begins over the weekend of August 10-11

PSG expect Neymar to recover in four weeks

Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nike-very-concerned-about-rape-accusation-against-brazilian-football-star-neymar-225262">Neymar</a> for this month’s Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday.

Neymar withdrew from the squad on Thursday after rupturing ligaments in his right ankle near the start of Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar the night before.

Willian, who has won 65 caps and scored eight goals for the national side, is expected to join the squad in Porto Alegre on Saturday where Brazil face Honduras in their last warm-up match on Sunday.

His last match was on May 29 when he played for Chelsea in their Europa League win over Arsenal in Baku.

The host nation kick off their Copa America campaign against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14.

Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured Neymar for this month’s Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday. Neymar withdrew from the squad on Thursday after rupturing ligaments in his right ankle near the start of Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar the night before.

Brazil have called up Chelsea forward Willian to replace the injured Neymar for this month’s Copa America, the Brazilian Football Confederation said on Friday. Neymar withdrew from the squad on Thursday after rupturing ligaments in his right ankle near the start of Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Qatar the night before. Willian, who has won 65 caps and scored eight goals for the national side, is expected to join the squad in Porto Alegre on Saturday where Brazil face Honduras in their last warm-up match on Sunday. His last match was on May 29 when he played for Chelsea in their Europa League win over Arsenal in Baku. The host nation kick off their Copa America campaign against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14.

Willian to replace Neymar in Brazil's Copa America squad

Brazil's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-football-star-neymar-denies-alleged-rape-in-paris-223567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHg6zl2NbiAhWw6XMBHeAGAgYQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WrB2v4vz3T8adokyqoRsn">Neymar </a>went to a Rio de Janeiro police station Thursday to give a statement in a probe into whether he broke the law by posting intimate pictures of a woman who accused him of rape.&nbsp;

The football megastar -&nbsp;full name <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHg6zl2NbiAhWw6XMBHeAGAgYQFjAEegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0I0fh9a931ppowbEGFr0UH">Neymar da Silva Santos Junior</a> -&nbsp;went to the station in an attempt to defend himself, sitting in a wheelchair after spraining his ankle the night before in a pre-Copa America friendly that has ruled him out of the tournament.

As he made his way out through a media scrum after giving his statement to police, the star striker expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.&nbsp;

"I felt very loved," he said.

The injury to the world's most expensive player is a huge blow to host nation Brazil's preparations for the South American continental championship, which begins on June 14.

Neymar hobbled off the field in the 20th minute of Brazil's 2-0 win over Qatar in Brasilia on Wednesday.

A large ice pack had been strapped to his lower right leg.

Neymar's club, Paris Saint-Germain, tweeted Thursday that the player "suffered a severe sprain of the outer lateral ligament of his right ankle," and will be "reassessed by the club's medical department within the next 72 hours."

The injury caps a troubled season on and off the field for Neymar, who faces accusations that he raped the woman, Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, in a Paris hotel in May.

Neymar denies the claims and in an attempt to defend himself, published intimate WhatsApp messages and images of his encounter with Trindade on social media - without her consent, possibly breaking Brazilian law.

Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term.

'Difficult moment'

Just before the late Wednesday game, the SBT TV network aired an interview with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/woman-who-accused-brazils-neymar-of-rape-gives-details-in-tv-interview-224860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHg6zl2NbiAhWw6XMBHeAGAgYQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2x6n7pMZdwbvu7w80MpbW0">Trindade</a> in which she described suffering "aggression together with rape" at the hands of the player.

Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged she initially liked Neymar and wanted to have sex with him.

The player paid for her plane ticket from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel.

Things changed dramatically at their first encounter. He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages'', Trindade said.

"Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said.

After some kissing and caressing "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt."

According to Trindade, Neymar apologised but then continued to hurt her while they had intercourse.

A video circulating on social media showed Trindade hitting Neymar in a hotel room and accusing him of assaulting her the day before.

In a sign of how significant a figure Neymar remains in Brazilian life, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHg6zl2NbiAhWw6XMBHeAGAgYQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XcGTWq17mrCl_O--Oa5KF">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> offered his public backing for the player ahead of the match with Qatar, and later visited him at the hospital.

"I wish you a good and fast recovery," Bolsonaro said on Instagram beneath a photo of him and Neymar.

Neymar posted a photo of his swollen ankle on Instagram with a message: "After the storm comes the calm."

Sponsors, however, are not calm. Mastercard cancelled a Neymar-themed ad campaign that was to be broadcast during the Copa America, Spanish media reported, while Nike expressed its "deep concern" on Monday.

Neymar's injury also leaves a question mark over the future career of a player who cost Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($248 million) when he moved from Barcelona in 2017.

Ankle problems ruled him out of the second half of the just-completed Ligue 1 season in France.

When Neymar did finally return to the team, he played as PSG suffered a shock defeat to Rennes in the French Cup final -&nbsp;and afterwards lashed out at a supporter in the stands.

Brazil's Neymar went to a Rio de Janeiro police station Thursday to give a statement in a probe into whether he broke the law by posting intimate pictures of a woman who accused him of rape.

Brazil's Neymar went to a Rio de Janeiro police station Thursday to give a statement in a probe into whether he broke the law by posting intimate pictures of a woman who accused him of rape. The football megastar - full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior - went to the station in an attempt to defend himself, sitting in a wheelchair after spraining his ankle the night before in a pre-Copa America friendly that has ruled him out of the tournament. As he made his way out through a media scrum after giving his statement to police, the star striker expressed gratitude to his fans for their support. "I felt very loved," he said. The injury to the world's most expensive player is a huge blow to host nation Brazil's preparations for the South American continental championship, which begins on June 14. Neymar hobbled off the field in the 20th minute of Brazil's 2-0 win over Qatar in Brasilia on Wednesday. A large ice pack had been strapped to his lower right leg. Neymar's club, Paris Saint-Germain, tweeted Thursday that the player "suffered a severe sprain of the outer lateral ligament of his right ankle," and will be "reassessed by the club's medical department within the next 72 hours." The injury caps a troubled season on and off the field for Neymar, who faces accusations that he raped the woman, Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, in a Paris hotel in May. Neymar denies the claims and in an attempt to defend himself, published intimate WhatsApp messages and images of his encounter with Trindade on social media - without her consent, possibly breaking Brazilian law. Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term. 'Difficult moment' Just before the late Wednesday game, the SBT TV network aired an interview with Trindade in which she described suffering "aggression together with rape" at the hands of the player. Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged she initially liked Neymar and wanted to have sex with him. The player paid for her plane ticket from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel. Things changed dramatically at their first encounter. He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages'', Trindade said. "Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said. After some kissing and caressing "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt." According to Trindade, Neymar apologised but then continued to hurt her while they had intercourse. A video circulating on social media showed Trindade hitting Neymar in a hotel room and accusing him of assaulting her the day before. In a sign of how significant a figure Neymar remains in Brazilian life, President Jair Bolsonaro offered his public backing for the player ahead of the match with Qatar, and later visited him at the hospital. "I wish you a good and fast recovery," Bolsonaro said on Instagram beneath a photo of him and Neymar. Neymar posted a photo of his swollen ankle on Instagram with a message: "After the storm comes the calm." Sponsors, however, are not calm. Mastercard cancelled a Neymar-themed ad campaign that was to be broadcast during the Copa America, Spanish media reported, while Nike expressed its "deep concern" on Monday. Neymar's injury also leaves a question mark over the future career of a player who cost Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($248 million) when he moved from Barcelona in 2017. Ankle problems ruled him out of the second half of the just-completed Ligue 1 season in France. When Neymar did finally return to the team, he played as PSG suffered a shock defeat to Rennes in the French Cup final - and afterwards lashed out at a supporter in the stands.

Brazil's Neymar records statement on wheelchair in Rio police station over rape accusation

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-football-star-neymar-denies-alleged-rape-in-paris-223567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Gal34Xe0xHyopI9hK4uXr">Neymar</a>, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies.

"Today I'm supposed to be at the game between Brazil and Qatar," said Bolsonaro at an event in the city of Aragarças. "I hope to hug Neymar. He is a boy who is in a difficult moment but I believe in him."

A woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month, according to a police report seen by Reuters at the weekend.

Sao Paulo police are investigating the accusation.

Following media reports on the matter, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-accused-of-raping-woman-in-paris-reports-223525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MRCBKR6GhesGWxuOREp0N">Neymar </a>posted a long video on Instagram in which he denied the accusations against him, said he was a victim of extortion, and shared WhatsApp messages with the alleged victim, including racy photos he had received.

That led police in Rio de Janeiro to open a fresh investigation into whether he had committed a crime by posting the intimate pictures online.

The Brazilian national soccer team is preparing for the Copa America - a tournament played by South America's 10 national teams - plus invitees Japan and Qatar, kicking off on June 14.

Bolsonaro added that Neymar retained his support ahead of Wednesday night's game.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj24YC4lNTiAhXV8XMBHR-WAPEQFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw230Bb8nVXjUwcXYa-Kd-_w">Neymar</a>, tonight, we're together, you're going to score two goals," the president said.

Bolsonaro spent nearly three decades in Congress before being elected president last year.

In 2003, he pushed Congresswoman Maria do Rosario of the leftist Workers Party and told her that he "would never rape you because you do not deserve it" and because she was "very ugly."

Bolsonaro repeated the comment in 2014 in the chamber and was convicted on a charge of inciting rape last year.

In February, Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello ordered Bolsonaro to pay a fine of 10,000 reais ($2,577.78) to Rosario.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of Neymar, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday came out in support of Neymar, the national soccer star who has been accused of raping a woman last month in Paris, an allegation he denies. "Today I'm supposed to be at the game between Brazil and Qatar," said Bolsonaro at an event in the city of Aragarças. "I hope to hug Neymar. He is a boy who is in a difficult moment but I believe in him." A woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month, according to a police report seen by Reuters at the weekend. Sao Paulo police are investigating the accusation. Following media reports on the matter, Neymar posted a long video on Instagram in which he denied the accusations against him, said he was a victim of extortion, and shared WhatsApp messages with the alleged victim, including racy photos he had received. That led police in Rio de Janeiro to open a fresh investigation into whether he had committed a crime by posting the intimate pictures online. The Brazilian national soccer team is preparing for the Copa America - a tournament played by South America's 10 national teams - plus invitees Japan and Qatar, kicking off on June 14. Bolsonaro added that Neymar retained his support ahead of Wednesday night's game. "Neymar, tonight, we're together, you're going to score two goals," the president said. Bolsonaro spent nearly three decades in Congress before being elected president last year. In 2003, he pushed Congresswoman Maria do Rosario of the leftist Workers Party and told her that he "would never rape you because you do not deserve it" and because she was "very ugly." Bolsonaro repeated the comment in 2014 in the chamber and was convicted on a charge of inciting rape last year. In February, Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello ordered Bolsonaro to pay a fine of 10,000 reais ($2,577.78) to Rosario.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro defends Neymar against rape accusation

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-football-star-neymar-denies-alleged-rape-in-paris-223567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0mTLmhgxofGmcQuTfwQLeY">Neymar</a> sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel.

Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia.

"It was aggression together with rape," said the woman in an interview broadcast on the SBT network. The full interview is scheduled to air on Monday.

Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged that she initially liked Neymar - full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior -&nbsp;and wanted to have sex with him.

The football megastar paid for a plane ticket to bring her from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel.

Watch her TV interview:

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Things changed dramatically at their first encounter, Trindade said. "He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages.''

"Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said.

After some kissing and caressing, she said, "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt."

According to Trindade, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw26UNcGooXYCWWS8FrZsj6Z">Neymar </a>apologized, but then continued hurting her while they had sex.

Separately, the G1 news website reported that police have a video that Trindade recorded of an alleged second encounter between the two.

The contents were not made public.

Neymar, who was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world-record 222 million euros ($248.5 million) in 2017, wrote on Instagram that the evening's game would be the most difficult of his career "due to the circumstances."

In the end, he only lasted 20 minutes in the game and limped off the field aided by two members of the team's support staff with an ice pack wrapped around his ankle.

Brazil's talk of the town

Since the scandal exploded over the weekend the story has dominated the news in Brazil, as fans fear that Neymar's troubles will affect their team's performance in the upcoming Copa America -- South America's continental championship, which Brazil is hosting and last won in 2007.

Brazil's national coach Tite said he had no plans to drop the striker.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846">Neymar </a>is a different kind of player that I'll want in the team until the last moment because of his talent," Tite said.

When asked how the striker was feeling, Tite -- visibly moved -- said: "I just want the situation to resolve itself, I'm not taking sides. I want it to be resolved by hard work"

Neymar, who insists on his innocence, published a video stating that he was the victim of entrapment.

In the same video he also posted intimate WhatsApp messages he said he had received from his accuser and photographs of her topless in a bed.

One of the most colourful phrases of the exchange was "Good morning, an object of my libido" - which has quickly become an online catchphrase across Brazil.

'Forgive that girl'

Brazil's football chief said Wednesday that Neymar would play in the Copa America, which kicks off on June 14, despite the rape allegations, although the late Wednesday injury may change those plans.

The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy in the Copa. &nbsp;

Neymar's father has claimed his son was the victim of a blackmail attempt, which the accuser's former lawyers have rejected.

Adding to Neymar's woes is a police investigation into the publication of intimate information in his Instagram video without the woman's permission. Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-accused-of-raping-woman-in-paris-reports-223525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lhN4Lf6PX7xcxw3--v4B8">Neymar's </a>mother Nadine Goncalves posted an emotional message on Instagram on Tuesday urging her son to "forgive that girl" and "return to Jesus".&nbsp;

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar Neymar sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel. Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia.

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar Neymar sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel. Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia. "It was aggression together with rape," said the woman in an interview broadcast on the SBT network. The full interview is scheduled to air on Monday. Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged that she initially liked Neymar - full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior - and wanted to have sex with him. The football megastar paid for a plane ticket to bring her from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel. Watch her TV interview: × Things changed dramatically at their first encounter, Trindade said. "He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages.'' "Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said. After some kissing and caressing, she said, "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt." According to Trindade, Neymar apologized, but then continued hurting her while they had sex. Separately, the G1 news website reported that police have a video that Trindade recorded of an alleged second encounter between the two. The contents were not made public. Neymar, who was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world-record 222 million euros ($248.5 million) in 2017, wrote on Instagram that the evening's game would be the most difficult of his career "due to the circumstances." In the end, he only lasted 20 minutes in the game and limped off the field aided by two members of the team's support staff with an ice pack wrapped around his ankle. Brazil's talk of the town Since the scandal exploded over the weekend the story has dominated the news in Brazil, as fans fear that Neymar's troubles will affect their team's performance in the upcoming Copa America -- South America's continental championship, which Brazil is hosting and last won in 2007. Brazil's national coach Tite said he had no plans to drop the striker. "Neymar is a different kind of player that I'll want in the team until the last moment because of his talent," Tite said. When asked how the striker was feeling, Tite -- visibly moved -- said: "I just want the situation to resolve itself, I'm not taking sides. I want it to be resolved by hard work" Neymar, who insists on his innocence, published a video stating that he was the victim of entrapment. In the same video he also posted intimate WhatsApp messages he said he had received from his accuser and photographs of her topless in a bed. One of the most colourful phrases of the exchange was "Good morning, an object of my libido" - which has quickly become an online catchphrase across Brazil. 'Forgive that girl' Brazil's football chief said Wednesday that Neymar would play in the Copa America, which kicks off on June 14, despite the rape allegations, although the late Wednesday injury may change those plans. The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy in the Copa. Neymar's father has claimed his son was the victim of a blackmail attempt, which the accuser's former lawyers have rejected. Adding to Neymar's woes is a police investigation into the publication of intimate information in his Instagram video without the woman's permission. Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term. Neymar's mother Nadine Goncalves posted an emotional message on Instagram on Tuesday urging her son to "forgive that girl" and "return to Jesus".

Woman who accused Brazil's Neymar of rape gives details in TV interview

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