Santiago: Brazil shrugged off the absence of suspended captain Neymar to reach the Copa America quarter-finals here Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela.


Brazil's forward Roberto Firmino (3-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Venezuela during their 2015 Copa America football championship match, in Santiago. Pic/AFP 

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. Silva - who earlier celebrated finding the net with a dedication to Neymar - praised Brazil's team effort.