Tite’s squad as good as any in 12-team Copa Americ­a, which starts June 16SAO PAOLO: 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’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. 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.

Source: The Express Tribune June 11, 2019 10:32 UTC