Brazil 0-0 Costa Rica
Brazil’s 2024 Copa America campaign is off to a lacklustre start, as they were held to a goalless draw by Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium in what was one of the most surprising Copa America 2024 results so far.
Gustavo Alfaro’s game plan for Costa Rica worked to perfection. Los Ticos make it difficult for Brazil to score since they were content with sitting on a low block, and the Samba Boyz still had their chances because of their overall quality, but to no avail.
Because of the draw, Colombia are on top of Group D since they defeated Paraguay in their opening game, boosting their Copa America 2024 odds of qualifying for the next round of the continental tournament.
After their poor showing, at least by their lofty standards, Dorival Junior’s men are suddenly under immense pressure to pull out wins in their next two group stage games.
Check out the recap of this game courtesy of SBOTOP.
Highlights of the game
Ronaldinho criticised this year’s Brazilian national team, as he felt that it wasn’t as star-studded as before, which looked like it for this game.
Dorival Junior had to make the tough decision of removing the likes of Neymar, Richarlison, Casemiro, Antony, and Gabriel Jesus, as all of them were either out of form or injured.
Dorival Junior introduced Guilherme Arana and Joao Gomes to the starting XI for the first time, joining Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Eder Militao, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinicius Junior against Costa Rica.
Gustavo Alfaro also made key changes for Costa Rica as he opted for a youthful side, with Patrick Sequeira and Manfred Ugalde replacing long-time players Keylor Navas and Joel Campbell.
Vinicius Junior tried to make an impact early in the game, as he was constantly pressuring Costa Rica’s compact low block.
Rodrygo manufactured the first chance for the Samba Boyz after marauding past multiple Los Ticos defenders, but his low drive went too wide on the left side.
During the 20th minute, Vinicius Junior fell inside the box, but the referees didn’t call a penalty since they felt he only had incidental contact with the Costa Rican defenders.
It looked like the Samba Boyz finally drew first blood, as Marquinhos headed in a loose ball off a free-kick by Raphinha 10 minutes later. However, the referees disallowed his goal after a lengthy VAR review.
Brazil had another chance toward the end of the first half, but Rodrygo’s volley just went over the crossbar, and it was a tie at the halftime break.
Dorival Junior’s men still held the ball for the most part in the second half, but chances have only come few and far between because of Costa Rica’s disciplined defence.
Brazil’s next chance came in the 62nd minute when Lucas Paqueta fired from 20 yards, but his attempt hit the woodwork.
Endrick, Savio, and Gabriel Martinelli were all subbed in by head coach Dorival Junior, looking to add firepower and put more pressure on Costa Rica’s defencive wall that almost worked, mostly because of Savio’s overlapping runs.
Los Ticos defender Haxzel Quiros almost scored an own goal after Savio’s looping cross from the right flank, but Patrick Sequeira deflected the ball out of bounds for a corner.
Brazil would have two more opportunities to break down Costa Rica’s five-man central defence, but they were unlucky as Vinicius Junior’s shot didn’t go at the right angle in the 85th minute, while Bruno Guimaraes’ curler from Savio’s pass just sailed over the bar.
Key statistics
This was basically a cardio game for Brazil. The Samba Boyz dominated the ball at 74-per cent possession, tallied 19 total shots with three on target (compared to two shots for Costa Rica), and had 695 total passes (compared to Costa Rica’s 248).
Costa Rica have extended their unbeaten streak to four consecutive games in all competitions. Before last night’s contest, Los Ticos lost their last nine meetings against the Samba Boyz.
Last night’s game also marked Vinicius Junior’s 30th cap, Alisson’s 65th cap, and Marquinho’s 85th cap for the Brazilian national team.
What’s next?
Did Costa Rica provide the blueprint for beating Brazil? Colombia will be taking notes as they will take on Brazil next Tuesday night at the Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, California.
Colombia need one more win to ensure their qualification for the knockout phase of this tournament.
As for Costa Rica, they will square off against Paraguay, also on the same day at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
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