The reigning champions recorded a 3-0 win in the Group B clash over a team decimated by positive coronavirus tests on the eve of the tournament, which Brazil stepped in to stage despite public outcry and COVID-19 concerns.

Colombia also began with a victory as they beat Ecuador 1-0 thanks to Edwin Cardona's goal from a cleverly worked free-kick in the other match held on the opening day of the event.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos opened the scoring for Brazil at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha after bundling home in the 23rd minute, before club team mate Neymar converted a penalty just after the hour mark.

Neymar turned provider for Brazil's third as he rounded the goalkeeper before squaring for substitute Gabriel Barbosa to tap into an empty net in the dying stages.

Venezuela were forced to field a makeshift team after eight players and four coaching staff returned positive COVID-19 tests.

The news of Venezuela’s COVID-19 cases followed confirmation that three Bolivian players and a member of the team's technical staff had tested positive for coronavirus.

Bolivia are due to take on Paraguay in their opening match of Group A at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá tomorrow.

Brazil was cleared to stage the tournament after receiving approval from the country’s Supreme Federal Court on Friday (June 11).

The build-up to the delayed event, postponed from last year due to the global health crisis, had been dominated by off-field issues as it had been scheduled to take place in Argentina and Colombia before being moved to Brazil, despite the nation being among the worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in the world.

The South American Football Confederation last month pulled the plug on Argentina, where there have been more than four million cases of coronavirus and over 84,000 deaths.

CONMEBOL had earlier stripped Colombia of co-hosting rights because of violent anti-Government protests.

Brazil has recorded more than 484,000 deaths from COVID-19 and there are fears another wave could plunge the nation into further crisis.

A poll conducted by XP/Ipespe poll found 64 per cent of respondents are against Brazil hosting the 10-team competition, with less than a third - 29 per cent - in favour.