Venezuela's Yordan Osorio (left) and Brazil's Philippe Coutinho vie for the ball on Tuesday in Salvador, Brazil. Photo: VCG

Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw against Venezuela in the Copa America on Tuesday after a dramatic finale which saw a late Philippe Coutinho strike ruled out by VAR.

Coutinho thought he had fired Brazil into the quarterfinals in the 87th minute when he bundled home a finish from Everton Soares' driving run down the left wing at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova.

But for the second time in the match, Chilean referee Julio Bascunan ruled out a Brazilian goal after being alerted to an infringement by the video assistant referee.

The goal appeared to have been disallowed due to a touch by Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, although it was not clear that Firmino had been offside as the ball grazed him on the way into the net.

Brazil left the field to boos but remain top of Group A with four points from two games, and one game to play.

Venezuela have two points from two games and will fancy their chances of advancing with their final game coming against Bolivia, who suffered their second straight defeat earlier Tuesday in a 3-1 loss to Peru.

Brazil coach Tite meanwhile had no ­issues with the two VAR-assisted decisions that ruled out his side's goals. "They made the right call with both goals," Tite said. "VAR was correct. I have absolutely nothing to demand - we got justice."

Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel meanwhile praised an "almost perfect" performance from his team.

Brazil had faced criticism from fans for their slow start to their opening game against Bolivia, which they went on to win 3-0, and while they made a stronger start on Tuesday they failed to take the numerous chances that came their way.

David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by 

Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez ­early on, while substitute Gabriel Jesus and defender Filipe Luis both wasted ­chances to win the game after the interval.

The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39,000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10,000 seats left empty this time.

Brazil defender Thiago Silva said his side did not deserve the flak they were getting. "In the second half they [Venezuela] practically never got out their own area. We didn't win because of small details. But when you don't score goals it looks like ­everything is wrong," he said.

But coach Tite could understand the fans' frustrations. "We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us," he said.