Vinicius misses penalty as Brazil is held 1-1 at Venezuela in World Cup qualifying

Brazil dropped two points in their pursuit of a place at the 2022 World Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Venezuela.

Raphinha gave Brazil the lead with a close-range finish in the 31st minute, but Venezuela equalized through Eric Ramirez nine minutes later.

Casemiro won a penalty for Brazil in the 67th minute, but Vinicius Junior's spot-kick was saved by Wuilker Farinez.

The result leaves Brazil in second place in the CONMEBOL standings, four points behind leaders Argentina. Venezuela is ninth, five points off a place in the top five that would secure a play-off spot.

Brazil made a bright start to the match and should have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Neymar played in Raphinha, but the Leeds forward fired wide.

Vinicius Junior also had a good chance to score in the 20th minute, but his shot was blocked by Farinez.

Brazil eventually took the lead in the 31st minute when Raphinha tapped home from close range after Neymar's cross was deflected into his path.

However, Venezuela equalized just nine minutes later when Ramirez headed home a cross from Yangel Herrera.

Brazil had a chance to take the lead again in the 67th minute when Casemiro was brought down in the penalty area by Jose Velazquez.

However, Vinicius Junior's spot-kick was saved by Farinez.

The result leaves Brazil with work to do in their remaining qualifying matches. They will be confident of securing a place at the World Cup, but they will need to improve their away form if they are to win the group.