World football is facing extraordinary times with the global pandemic. As we head to the start of the Copa America in Brazil, there has been a lot of opposition and condemnation for Brazil accepting to host the tournament. The hosting rights were handed to Brazil less than two weeks ago, much to Brazilian leaders’ chagrin, but the tournament will kick off as scheduled, with hosts Brazil starting it off against Venezuela. Brazil go to this Group B clash on a very strong position – unbeaten in their last seven matches, with seven straight wins. They have six clean sheets in that run, with the only time they conceded being in the 4-2 win over Peru back in October. In these seven matches they have scored two or more in each, and more recently, they’ve done well in the World Cup qualifiers, beating Ecuador and Paraguay 2-0 in each. Three straight wins at home, with eight goals in the process and all key players available leaves Brazil as a very strong side in this competition.
The Slovaks will rely on their rock-solid defence, which is led by Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar. Since Poland look solid at the back as well, a low-scoring affair is on the cards in Saint Petersburg. Veteran midfielder Marek Hamsik is widely expected to return to Slovakia’s starting XI after he was rested in the goalless draw with Austria. You should bear in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in each of the previous three meetings between the two teams.