Colombia stunned by Venezuela in Copa América Group C opener

Rondon's header proved to be enough for Venezuela to stun Colombia ©Getty Images

Colombia fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to minnows Venezuela in their opening group C match of the Copa América in Chile, while Brazil recovered from a goal down to record a 2-1 victory over Peru.

While their women’s team causing the shock of the FIFA Women’s World Cup so far in Canada, having beaten France, Colombia’s surprisingly found themselves on the wrong end of a similar result at the Estadio El Tenientre.

The star-studded squad, featuring talents like Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, were unable to break through a Venezuelan defence who were aggressive in their approach, in a bid to unsettle the Colombia’s forward players.

In fact, Venezuela created two of the best chances within the first period as Ronald Vargas and Alejandro Guerra went close, but Guerra then played a key role in the games decisive moment.

The 29-year-old was on hand to head the ball across goal from inside the box to allow Salomón Rondon the opportunity to notch his first international goal since 2013.

The striker took his chance with aplomb nodding past Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina to give his team a surprise win.

Venezuela, who recorded their best ever finish in the Copa America at the 2011 tournament in Argentina where they finished fourth, will now look forward to a second match in the group against Peru where a victory would seal their progression.

Neymar proved to be the difference for Brazil as he scored and assisted to help his side claim a 2-1 win over Peru in their opening match at the Copa América in Chile ©AFP/Getty Images

Colombia will now look to pick themselves up in their second match of the tournament against Brazil, who ended their World Cup run last year at the quarter-final phase.

The Brazilian team nearly ended found themselves on the end of a shock result themselves, having fallen behind in their opener as Christian Cueva firing Peru into a third minute lead in Temuco.

Fortunately for Brazil their talismanic captain Neymar was on the top of his game as he immediately drew them level, heading in from a Dani Alves cross.

The 23-year-old, who is already fifth in the five-time World Cup winners goalscorer charts, went close twice more, having an effort cleared off the line, before striking the crossbar with a second half free kick.

He turned provider for two chances for Douglas Costa in the dying stages, with the forward making the most of his second opportunity, poking into the net in the final minute of the tie.

Tomorrow's action will see hosts Chile resume their Group A campaign, after a morale boosting opening day win, with a tie against Mexico.

Elsewhere in the group Ecuador and Bolivia meet and both teams will be looking for their first victories.