In a lackluster start to their Copa America campaign, Brazil found themselves frustrated by a resilient Costa Rican side, resulting in a goalless draw at SoFi Stadium on Monday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, Brazil's inability to find the back of the net left them with just a single point from their opening match.
Brazil Dominates Possession but Lacks Finishing Touch
The Brazilian team controlled the game with 74% possession and amassed a total of 19 shots. However, they struggled with accuracy, managing to put only four of those attempts on target. Brazil's head coach Dorival Junior substituted 17-year-old Endrick for Vinicius Junior in the 71st minute, hoping the young talent could break the deadlock. Despite this tactical change, the young talent couldn't break through Costa Rica's disciplined defense.
One of the game's most dramatic moments came around the half-hour mark when Marquinhos appeared to score for Brazil. The celebrations were cut short after the VAR intervened, ruling out the goal due to an offside by a teammate in the build-up. Brazil's frustration was compounded by an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.66, highlighting their inefficiency in front of the goal.
Costa Rica's Resolute Defense
On the other side, Costa Rica's manager, Gustavo Alfaro, emphasized their defensive strategy, highlighting the importance of maintaining a low block and pressuring Brazil in numbers. Costa Rica's youthful side, the youngest team in the competition and mainly composed of players from the domestic league, executed this game plan to perfection, not allowing Brazil's attacking prowess to convert into goals. Remarkably, Costa Rica did not register a single shot on target, focusing entirely on thwarting Brazil's advances.
Brazil's Mixed Year in World Cup Qualifying
Brazil's performance in 2023 has been a mixed bag. Dorival Junior's side finished the year in sixth place in CONMEBOL's 10-team World Cup qualifying table, securing only two wins in six qualifying matches. Their results included a hard-fought 1-0 win over England in March and high-scoring draws against Spain (3-3) and the U.S. men's national team (1-1) earlier this month. These results point to a team that, while capable of strong performances, often finds itself unable to secure consistent victories.
Group D Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
Following the first round of games, Brazil and Costa Rica are tied for second place in Group D with one point each. Colombia sits atop the group, having secured a 2-1 win over Paraguay. The completion of the first round sets up critical matches ahead, with Brazil slated to face Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium in their next Copa America match. The Brazilian side will need to refine their attacking strategy and clinical finishing to secure crucial points and advance in the tournament.
As they move forward, the Brazilian team must address the gaps in their game if they hope to overcome resilient opposition and live up to the high expectations placed upon them. The encounter with Costa Rica has undoubtedly provided them with key insights and areas for improvement.