Brazil vs Costa Rica
This is a Copa America championship few have tipped Brazil to win.
And as the most successful nation in the history of international football, it is pretty clear they won’t like that one bit.
Yet with some of their own doubting them, and their arch rivals thriving, could we be in danger of underestimating the determination of the Selecao?
We are about to find out.
Talking Points
As they prepare to open their campaign and create Copa America 2024 highlights against Costa Rica, let’s look at the recent history.
November’s defeats to Colombia and, stunningly, at home to Argentina were clear indications that, while Brazil still have plenty of talent, they are looking for leadership and unable to make things flow like a classic Brazilian team.
Yet those games were played over half a year ago and their 3-3 draw with Spain in March, when they twice fought back, showed qualities.
Likewise, they also showed at Wembley in March that there is plenty of youthful talent in the ranks, even when they put out an understrength team.
It hasn’t helped that they come into this tournament on the back of criticism from Ronaldinho, since retracted or, at least, reduced as the Brazilian legend backtracked on aspects of what he was supposed to have said about the state of the current team.
After Argentina were crowned champions of their continent against them three years ago, and then added the World Cup to rub further salt in the wounds, Brazil need to block out the noise (even from their own) and restore some pride.
Who knows, perhaps with so few expecting them to do well, this could be their time.
With respect to Dorival Júnior, he’s not the man they thought would be leading them this summer, and getting his team to reach a third consecutive final may be beyond him.
Yet the genial, paternalistic 62-year-old has been a breath of fresh air, uniting the squad and restoring an intangible sense of calm around the setup. It does not hurt that he is widely liked by journalists, many of whom have grown to know him well across his two decades in Brazilian club football.
Don’t rule them out.
As for Costa Rica, keep an eye on Manfred Ugalde.
After disagreements with the last manager kept him away from Los Ticos, new manager Gustavo Alfaro quickly has enjoyed the benefits of actually calling up the face of Costa Rica’s next generation.
After a winter move to Spartak Moscow, the forward turned up in rhythm for Costa Rica’s June’s World Cup qualification matches.
Even with this starlet, getting out of Group D will be an achievement for Costa Rica; beating Brazil another proposition altogether.
History
The last time I saw these two nations play was at the 2018 World Cup when I witnessed arguably the most petulant display I’ve seen from a footballer in my lifetime.
The less said about that the better.
On that occasion in Russia, Brazil won 2-0, a ninth straight win for the Samba boys in this fixture and the last time they met.
In fact, bar a 3-0 Costa Rican success in the Panamerican Championships in 1960 – when Guillermo Valenciano, Edgar Quesada and Ruben Jiminez scored the goals against a Brazilian side which looked like it was full of reserves – it’s been Brazil all the way with 10 wins in their 11 matches.
You have to go back 20 years to the last time they met in the Copa America.
That was in a group game when an Adrian hat-trick inspired a 4-1 win with Juan getting the other goal and Luis Marin netting the consolation.
Betting Tip
Brazil are massive favourites with the SBOTOP Copa America 2024 betting odds, which is no surprise.
You can find odds on them which include First Half 1X2 @ 1.48, First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.11, 1X2 @ 1.15, and Asian Handicap -2.25 @ 2.13.
By contrast, the plucky Los Ticos are priced First Half 1X2 @ 9.40, First Half Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 1.78, 1X2 @ 12.00, and Asian Handicap +2.00 @ 2.03.
There’s never been a goalless draw so, although it’s an attractive offer, you won’t get me putting money on Correct Score 0-0 @ 21.00, or Total Goal 0-1 @ 5.20, let alone a 1X2 Draw @ 6.50.
Other goal options include Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.14, 4-6 @ 2.47, and Over 3.25 @ 2.06.
I am actually going to opt for a complete repeat of six years ago and a 2-0 Brazilian victory which is on offer with Correct Score @ 5.70 is my tip.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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