CIUDAD DEL ESTE (PARAGUAY), JULY 1: Brazil crushed Venezuela 7-0 and Mexico edged Chile 1-0 as Group B matches in the Copa America, the South American Football Championship, got underway last night at Ciudad Del Este.The Brazilians were led by two goals each from a revitalised Ronaldo (26th and 62nd minutes) and Amoroso (54th and 81st).
The scoring was rounded out by Emerson (40th), Gaucho (74th) and Rivaldo (82nd) as the defending champions cruised to victory.
In the other Group B encounter, Luis Hernandez scored the only goal in the 59th minute following an excellent play by his fellow striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Hernandez was the top scorer at the previous Copa America, in Bolivia in 1997, where he hit the back of the net six times.
Mexico and Japan are taking part in the Copa America as specially invited guests.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.