Brazil and Costa Rica played out a goalless draw in their opening match of the Copa America at SoFi Stadium on Monday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Brazil could not find a way past Costa Rica's resolute defense.
Dominance Without Reward
Brazil controlled an impressive 74% of possession and managed 19 shots throughout the match. However, putting only four of those shots on target underlined a recurring issue for the Brazilian side. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.66 further emphasized the gap between their chances created and their finishing efficiency.
Brazil appeared to have broken the deadlock around the half-hour mark when Marquinhos found the net. However, celebrations were cut short as a VAR check revealed an offside in the buildup, nullifying the goal and keeping the scoreline level.
Just before the goal was disallowed, Dorival Junior, Brazil's head coach, decided to inject youth into his lineup by substituting 17-year-old Endrick for Vinicius Junior in the 71st minute. Endrick’s inclusion signaled Junior's intention to break through Costa Rica's disciplined defense with fresh legs and dynamic talent. However, the young star couldn't change the course of the match significantly. "Despite this tactical change, the young talent couldn't break through Costa Rica's disciplined defense," reflected Junior post-match.
Costa Rica’s Defensive Masterclass
Costa Rica, with the youngest team in the competition comprising mostly domestic league players, displayed a textbook defensive performance. The team's strategy focused on maintaining a low block and pressuring Brazil in numbers. This disciplined approach paid off handsomely, as Costa Rica did not allow a single shot on target and successfully neutralized Brazil's attacking threats.
"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," Alfaro said in his post-match comments. His plan was executed to perfection as Brazil’s attacking stars found themselves stifled and frustrated throughout the game.
Looking Back at Brazil’s 2023 Campaign
The Seleção’s recent form leading into the Copa America had been a mixed bag. Brazil finished 2023 sixth in CONMEBOL's 10-team World Cup qualifying table, with just two wins from six games. Notable results included a 1-0 victory over England and high-scoring draws against Spain (3-3) and the U.S. men's national team (1-1). These performances highlighted both the potential and the inconsistency within the squad.
Group D Standings
With the draw, Brazil and Costa Rica are tied for second in Group D, each with one point. Colombia leads the group after a 2-1 win over Paraguay in the first round of games. This sets up a crucial encounter for Brazil in their next match against Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium, where they will be eager to secure their first win of the tournament.
As the Copa America progresses, the ability of Brazil to convert their dominant play into goals will be under scrutiny. Costa Rica, on the other hand, can take great confidence from their solid defensive display as they move forward in the competition.