Neymar helps Brazil maintain perfect run

Neymar scored one goal and created the other as Brazil maintained their perfect start to World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 win over Paraguay on Tuesday.

Substitute Lucas Paqueta sealed the win deep into injury time in Asuncion as Brazil opened up a six point lead at the top of South America's single qualifying group after a sixth win out of six. Brazil got off to a quick start with less than four minutes on the clock. Gabriel Jesus, recalled to the starting line-up, crossed from the right and although Richarlison missed his attempted volley, Neymar was unmarked at the back post to bobble the ball past goalkeeper Antony Silva. Paraguay did not crumble, though, and center-back Omar Alderete forced an incredible save out of goalkeeper Ederson with a blockbuster drive from 30 yards. Miguel Almiron also found space in the box but his shot was deflected behind by Eder Militao. In between, Silva was out quickly to smother a chance for Richarlison.

The Everton forward thought he'd extended the lead just before halftime with a brilliant dipping volley, but he was denied by an offside flag. Paraguay had a strong start to the second half as Ederson saved a Gustavo Gomez header but Marquinhos should have doubled the visitors' advantage when he somehow headed Neymar's cross wide from four yards out. Brazil had chances to kill the game off on the counter but Neymar screwed an effort wide and Gomez did brilliantly to block Richarlison's shot. But in injury time, Neymar played in Paqueta on the right to send a precise left-foot finish just inside the far post.

Players strongly criticise organisers but will not boycott event

Brazil's players have criticised the decision to hold the Copa America in their country. South American Football Confederation Conmebol moved the tournament from Argentina on 1 June. Co-hosts Colombia had already been dropped amid civil unrest there. “For different reasons, be they humanitarian or professional, we are not satisfied with the way the Copa America has been handled by Conmebol,” the players said. Brazilian media had reported the team were unhappy at not being consulted about the decision. But the players' statement said they had never considered boycotting the tournament. The statement, posted on the players' personal social media accounts, appeared soon after the team beat Paraguay 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Asuncion - the first time they had won in the country since 1985. “All the recent facts make us believe it was an inadequate process,” the statement said.

Brazil has recorded more than 475,000 deaths attributed to coronavirus, the second highest number in the world after the US. However, Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro has defended the decision to allow the tournament to go ahead in his country, insisting it did not pose a health risk. Players did not address the pandemic directly. Argentina was stripped of the tournament just two weeks before it starts, on 13 June, with organisers citing coronavirus and the “present circumstances”. Colombia was removed as co-host on 20 May because of civil unrest there. The 10-nation tournament kicks off on Sunday with the new hosts facing Venezuela in Brasilia. All 28 games will be shown live on the BBC.