Albeit against weaker opposition on Sunday, the Selecao romped to a 7-0 win over Honduras in the southern city of Porto Alegre and have thus far shown no signs of struggle in Neymar's absence.

With Neymar watching from afar, it was Philippe Coutinho who came through for Brazil in the Copa America opener. Coutinho scored twice as Brazil overcame half-time jeers at the Morumbi.

Richarlison and David Neres may be pals and Brazil team-mates, but that doesn't stop a bit of friendly rivalry on the training ground. 

Brazil were jeered at home in the Copa America for the second time in a row as they were held to a stalemate by Venezuela. The hosts followed a lethargic win over Bolivia with a scoreless draw. 

VAR stole the show as Brazil and Venezuela drew 0-0 at the Copa America. Brazil found the net three times, but all of their goals were disallowed - two upon the advice of the video assistant.

Despite knowing he can play no part in a potential trophy-winning tournament, the Paris Saint-Germain ace was all smiles as he reunited with players and staff at their base in Sao Paulo.

Brazil cruised into the Copa America knock-out stages by dismantling Peru at the Arena Corinthians. Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Everton, Dani Alves and Willian were all on target.

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

Everton striker Richarlison was left out of Brazil's Copa America quarter-final with Paraguay on Thursday amid concerns the attacker has contracted mumps.

The Everton forward was put in isolation for three days after contracting the contagious viral infection and was holed up in a hotel in Porto Alegre while he recovered.

Stars from Argentina and Brazil have been training in preparation for their crucial Copa America semi-final showdown on Tuesday evening.

TOM SANDERSON IN SAO PAULO: And so they meet again. On this occasion, for a place in the Copa America final. Yet far more than the chance to face either Chile or Peru will be at stake.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli. The youngster is one of the most promising talents in his homeland and bases his game on Cristiano Ronaldo.  

Brazil and arch-rivals Argentina will go head to head for a place in the Copa America final. For live updates from the semi-final, follow the action with Sportsmail's SAM MCEVOY...

TOM SANDERSON AT MINEIRAO STADIUM: Here it was, the one they had all been waiting for. A semi-final showdown between the two biggest rivals in international football. 

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni claimed his side deserved to reach the Copa America final in the wake of their 2-0 defeat by Brazil. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sealed victory.

Lionel Messi blasted 'bulls***' refereeing and accused officials of favouring Brazil after Argentina were dumped out of the Copa America at the semi-final stage on Tuesday night.

Argentina and Lionel Messi remain optimistic about their future despite another year without a trophy. There is some hope despite the team's 2-0 loss to Brazil.

The Chelsea star felt pain in his right thigh during the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final victory against Argentina but stayed on the pitch as his side had used all three substitutes.

Brazil took on Peru in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night. Brazil won their first Copa America trophy since 2007.

TOM SANDERSON AT THE MARACANA: In front of 70,000 revellers at the Maracana, Brazil prolonged their record of having won the Copa America each time they have hosted.

Edu is closing in on the technical director job at Arsenal after Brazil appointed Juninho to replace him as their general coordinator.

Messi was left incandescent with the performance of referee Roddy Zambrano and the use of VAR and did not hold back in his post-match assessment after their defeat by Brazil.

Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho joined their team-mates to celebrate Brazil's Copa America success on Wednesday. 

Fresh from their Copa America success, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho have been kicking back in style while making the most of well-earned time off.

The 23-year-old played an integral role in Brazil's Copa America success this summer and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Everton.

Napoli have started negotiations with Gremio for Brazil's Copa America hero Everton. Carlo Ancleotti's side have been looking to reinforce their attack all summer but have been unsuccessful.

Jesus scored Brazil's second goal in a 3-1 victory over Peru at the Maracana last month but erupted in anger after being sent off for a second bookable offence.

The Brazilian sealed his country's Copa America triumph on home soil with the third goal in their 3-1 victory over Peru in the final at the Maracana Stadium in July.

Peru would have been looking to achieve some measure of revenge when they came up against Tite's team on Tuesday evening after losing 3-1 to them in the competition's showpiece in July.

Italy are eager to convince Arsenal prospect Gabriel Martinelli to represent them instead of Brazil. Martinelli was born in Brazil and was called up to a training camp ahead of the Copa America.

Argentina and Brazil lock horns for the 111th time in Saudi Arabia to renew one of football's most iconic rivalries. Sportsmail has put together an all-time combined XI ahead of Friday's clash.

Lionel Messi rarely needs a second invitation to score but that is exactly what he got as he scored from the rebound of his missed penalty to ensure Argentina beat Brazil out in Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi praised Argentina's work ethic after scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil on his return to international football following a three-month ban for criticising CONMEBOL.

Bring an image of Brazil to your mind and it is almost certain you will think of free-flowing attacking moves, samba skills and jogo bonito. Not debates about defensive midfielders.

The goal-shy Toffees have identified the forward positions as an area of improvement, and boss Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the club's Brazilian namesake as a transfer target.

The Brazilian forward, 27, has been linked with a return to his former side this summer, two years after leaving the Catalan club for a world-record fee of £198million.

PETE JENSON: Members of Barcelona's board have travelled to Paris to try and settle a deal to bring Neymar back to the Nou Camp. The La Liga giants are preparing a final bid for him.

Brazilian designer Anselmo Feleppa died in 1993 after the Wham! singer - who passed away aged 53 on Christmas Day 2016 - nursed him in secret for four years.

An emotional Marta bid farewell to another unsuccessful World Cup campaign on Sunday with a challenge to Brazil's women: work harder and do more if you want to win.

Roberto Firmino opened the scoring following Gabriel Jesus' assist, but Senegal were level after Sadio Mane won a penalty. Famara Diedhiou stepped up to score, and it remained level.

Neymar limped out of Brazil's friendly against Nigeria in Singapore on Sunday after only 12 minutes. The 27-year-old was replaced by midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Neymar went off injured 12 minutes into Brazil's 1-1 draw with Nigeria in a friendly in Singapore on Sunday.

Brazil left the injured Neymar out of their squad for the November friendlies against Argentina and South Korea on Friday, but Douglas Luiz and Rodrygo were called up.

The Chinese Grand Prix could be rescheduled for November as part of a two-day event sandwiched in between the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi races after the original race was postponed.

WILL JEANES IN MARRAKESH: Felipe Massa says the future of gas-guzzling Formula One is under threat due to the climate emergency.

Chris Brown came to an agreement in a lawsuit with a woman who claims he attacked her in a Las Vegas hotel room. The settlement became official on Tuesday, although the amount is unclear.

Coco Cuhna made the mistake of suggesting to her cricket coach boyfriend that it might be fun to see if he could show her how to bat when she saw him whacking a few tennis balls into a net.

Brazil legend Pele has added his opinion about who is the current world's best between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - with the three-time World Cup winner plumping for the former.

ALVISE CAGNAZZO IN ITALY: Christian Vieri was a goal machine in every sense. As one of just six Italians in history to win a golden boot at a foreign club, Vieri is well aware of what it takes to succeed.