Brazil in Copa America quarters

Brazil shrugged off the absence of suspended captain Neymar to reach the Copa America quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela. Goals in each half from Paris Saint-Germain star Thiago Silva and Bundesliga-based striker Roberto Firmino clinched a win, which ensured Brazil qualified for the last eight on top of Group C. Venezuela's goal came from Rayo Vallecano striker Nicolas Fedor in the 84th minute, reports Yahoo Sports. Silva - who earlier celebrated finding the net with a dedication to Neymar - praised Brazil's team effort. Brazil will now face Group B runners-up Paraguay in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Brazil had suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Colombia in their last outing, a contest which ended with a post-match brawl that led to Neymar receiving a tournament-ending four-match ban. Defeat to Venezuela on Sunday would have seen the five-time world champions making a humiliating first-round exit from the South American showpiece but that outcome never looked likely as Brazil dominated the start. Brazil coach Dunga had opted to replace Neymar -- looking down from the stands at Santiago's Estadio Monumental -- with Santos striker Robinho while the captain's armband was passed to defender Miranda, according to a news agency.