Alexandre Pato: Brazil can still win Copa America despite Venezuela draw
Brazil forward Alexandre Pato has remained upbeat despite his side's 0-0 draw against Venezuela, and feels the team have learnt their lesson sufficiently to still be a force in the Copa America.
The holders controlled much of the game in the Group B opener but lacked the incision to convert the chances created.
Despite this the AC Milan attacker remains upbeat about their prospects in the tournament.
"We're not concerned about the draw against Venezuela. While we expected a different result, a victory, the other teams [in the group] tied. So the Cup begins again," the 21-year-old told Argentinian news agency Telam.
"Every game is different. We had a pretty good first half against Venezuela. The only thing missing was a goal. The game against Paraguay will be different [as they] will play us on equal terms. There will be more spaces," the striker continued.
Pato then went on to speak of his specific role within the team, and stated his admiration for coach Mano Menezes.
"I [will] do what Menezes asks because I want to help the team get three points against Paraguay.
"My role is to secure and keep the ball for the team on the offence. Also, I have an obligation to score goals, because I am the centre forward."
Pato finished by confirming his belief that the five-time World Cup winners could qualify and go on to retain their title.
"We all want to do our job and bring Brazil to the top. We did not have much time to train together. But this is just [the] beginning. If we had won against Venezuela, [we] would not be talking about this.
"There are two more [group] games, we will win [them] and will qualify to the quarter-finals. We are all convinced we can win the cup but the team is new, the coach is new, everything is new," he concluded.
Brazil face Paraguay on Saturday, with the game being played at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.