Goals from Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino helped Brazil to a 2-1 win over Venezuela in the Copa America, with Mika's late goal offering sole consolation for the losers.
A quick start for the favourites
It didn't take Brazil long to open the scoring, with Thiago Silva rifling home from close range. Robinho, a surprise starter, floated in a cross from the right hand side, and Silva executed a precise volley into the centre of the goal.
Robinho was starting his first international game since 2010, and almost added a goal to his assist soon after. Recieving the ball on the edge of the area, his curling effort finished narrowly over the bar.
A shaky start had set Venezuela back in their qualification bid, and things didn't look like they were getting much better, as Ronald Vargas struck a long range effort high over the crossbar.
Brazil got back to attacking, with Willian causing havoc in the Venezuela defence, as his pass allowed Filipe Luis to shoot straight at goalkeeper Alain Baroja.
After a relatively quiet 15 minute spell, Willian once again brought the game to life, with some quick feet presenting a shooting opportunity. Baroja again made the save, getting low down to prevent a second goal.
Venezuela did manage to get into a flow, albeit just before the halftime whistle came. Nice link up play in midfield saw the ball moved out wide to Gabriel Cichero, whose cross was claimed by an uncomfortable looking Jefferson.
Second half
The second half began as the first half had, with a Brazil goal. Manchester United and Liverpool target Roberto Firmino got the goal, but it's Willian who will get the plaudits.
Taking the ball from Luis down the left, Willian beat two men before delivering an inch perfect ball for Firmino with the outside of his foot, which the midfielder tapped home with ease.
If Brazil thought they were home and dry at 2-0 up, they were wrong. Venezuela took the 'kitchen sink' approach, with Juan Arango forcing Jefferson into a fingertip save from a free-kick.
Dunga made a defensive change in bringing David Luiz on for Coutinho, with the ex-Chelsea man protecting the defence but even he couldn't prevent Roberto Rosales getting past him. However, Silva was on hand to block the defenders shot at goal.
Late hope
Next up came changes for each team, with defender Marquinhos replacing the impressive Robinho, whilst Mika came on for Venezuela. The latter worked, as Venezuela got back into the game with seven minutes to play.
With Jefferson flapping at another Aranjo free kick, Mika was quickest on hand to slot home the rebound, making it 2-1. Needing a draw to qualify for the knockout round, Venezuela were within touching distance, but needed one more goal.
Unfortunately for the underdogs, experience won through. Knowing that they had to seal their victory, Brazil kept it smart, frustrating Venezuela until the final whistle by keeping the ball in smart areas and not gifting them a single opportunity.
Next up
The win see's Brazil through to the competition's quarter final stage, where they will face Paraguay.
Despite an opening win against Colombia, Venezuela didn't quite have enough to make it through the group and go home after a fourth placed finish.
