Brazil Held to 0-0 Draw by Costa Rica in a Stunner to Open Copa America Group Play

Referee César Ramos sounded the whistle to begin Brazil vs. Costa Rica, the final match of Matchday 1 of this CONMEBOL Copa América 2024TM, setting up a bright day in California for an intense battle. Quickly dominating ball control, Canarinho moved a lot and exchanged passes to attempt to outsmart the other team. A first half with scant opportunities resulted from the Costa Ricans' outstanding diligence in fending off the attacks of Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.

In an attempt to enter Patrick Sequeira's domain, the Brazilians moved the ball on the ground; Rodrygo received a pass from Paquetá and fired across just outside the right post in the eleventh minute. Despite making good moves in the 22 and 25 minutes, Paquetá missed the finish, and the other goalie well intercepted Raphinha after Rodrygo's throw-in.

In the thirty-first minute, Dorival Júnior's team's fortunes seemed to turn around when Rodrygo deflected Raphinha's left-wing free-kick at the near post, and Marquinhos looked to score into the back of the goal. The Brazilian defenseman was offside, according to the VAR review, however. The ball sailed over the goal as number 10 attempted to shoot from the perimeter of the area once again during stoppage time.

Brazil persisted in removing the zero off the scoreboard on the way back from the break. Rodrygo almost pulled it off in the 47th minute, as he seemed to divert a corner kick but missed. The Brazilian opportunities inside the area decreased as Costa Rica became more certain in their defense; in the 63rd minute, Paquetá had to fire from outside the area and hit the post, one of the riskiest plays against the opponent's goal.

To achieve the outcome, Dorival Júnior made two debuts: Savinho and Endrick, the latter of whom became the youngest Brazilian to play a CONMEBOL Copa AméricaTM match since 2011. While Brazil was showcasing their skill, Sequeira intervened as Paquetá dribbled past his man and passed to Arana for a hard shot, but the excellent defense of the Ticos goalie blocked it. Bruno Guimarães made an inaccurate attempt from within the area towards the end of the game. So the result remained.

As a result, Brazil and Costa Rica gained their first points of the competition and remained behind Group D leader Colombia (Los Cafeteros defeated Paraguay 2-1 in the first round).

What are the next steps?

On Friday the 28th, the Group D second-round matches of this CONMEBOL Copa AméricaTM: While Costa Rica plays Colombia at State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona), Brazil plays Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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