WITH ONLY THREE goals scored in the tournament’s four games so far, the 2011 Copa America has hardly been the thrilling display of South American flair which football-starved fans might have hoped for.

Though disappointingly lacking in imagination, defending champions Brazil will count themselves slightly unlucky not to have come away with all three points from their opening Group B fixture against minnows Venezuela.

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato had the best chance of the first half, rattling the crossbar from 12 yards out, before referee Raul Orosco controversially waved away the Selecao’s penalty appeals after Vizcarrondo clearly handled the ball on the ground.

Mano Menezes’ side remained in the ascendancy throughout the second half though couldn’t produce the final ball to unlock the Venezuelan defence.

Ecuadorian goalkeeper Marcelo Elizaga was the standout performer of the evening’s second game, producing a string of fine saves to earn his side a 0-0 draw against Paraguay.

Elizaga reacted sharply to keep out Edgar Barreto, Manchester City’s Roque Santa Cruz, and midfielder Nestor Ortigoza in the first period, while a marvellous solo run by Christian “Chucho” Benitez on 27 minutes almost opened the scoring at the other end.

Santa Cruz had a chance to secure all three points on 63 minute, but Elizaga produced another fine save to claw his well-placed header around the post.

The tournament continues tonight when Uruguay take on Peru (23.15 Irish time) and Chile face Mexico (01.45) in the opening games of Group C.