Brazil kicked off their 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America campaign with a game against Costa Rica in search of the perfect start in Group D.
The most successful national team in the FIFA World Cup comes up against the most successful side from the Central American region when Brazil take on Costa Rica.
Brazil have won all of their last five head-to-head meetings with Costa Rica, keeping clean sheets in four of those. Their most recent encounter saw late goals from Neymar and Coutinho decide a feisty clash at the 2018 World Cup.
The Seleção are fifth in the World Rankings but the last couple of years have been shambolic with a quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup followed by massive upheaval in 2023. There were defeats to Morocco and Senegal in the first three friendly matches of the year while the World Cup qualification campaign began with two wins from two.
The October international window will not be looked back on with fond memories following a 1-1 draw with Venezuela and a 2-0 defeat in Uruguay to end their long unbeaten streak in qualifiers.
Things got even worse a month later with devastating losses to both Colombia and Argentina. The latter, which took place at the Maracana Stadium, proved the nation’s first-ever defeat at home in a World Cup qualification match.
It ultimately cost Fernando Diniz his caretaker job as Dorival Junior took charge in January 2024. They since got off to a good start as Endrick’s first international goal decided a friendly against England before another thrilling game against Spain that ended 3-3.
The nine-time Copa America winners are looking to reach a third consecutive final in the continental tournament and they must be comfortable with not being one of the top favourites.
Nevertheless, they possess the quality and know-how to surpass all expectations and get the job done this summer. Brazil would love a fairytale triumph after their eternal rivals, Argentina, won each of the last two major tournaments.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, is hoping to make a notable mark in this year’s competition and there’s no bigger statement than against Brazil on Matchday 1.
Los Ticos’ best result in the Copa America is two quarterfinal finishes in 2001 and 2004, they return to the US for this tournament after last appearing at the Centenario edition in 2016.
Having had a rough start to 2023 with three defeats from four matches, four points from the matches in the group stage of the Gold Cup were enough to see them through to the quarterfinal where they lost 2-0 to Mexico.
Costa Rica suffered a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Panama in the Nations League quarterfinals in November 2023 but they made it to a playoff round where they beat Honduras 3-1 to qualify for Copa America.
La Tricolor would be hoping for a boost to their fortunes under Gustavo Alfaro especially as recent performances have not been great. A 3-1 friendly defeat to Argentina would not have raised the spirits as they tune up for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign in June.
Indeed, games against Saint Kitts & Nevis and Grenada could be good for their confidence, but they would need a lot more when the tournament kicks off against Brazil.
Perhaps it would be wise to focus on maximizing their performance and minimizing the impending damage the Yellow Canaries are about to cause them.
Match tickets
This Copa America match-up takes place on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 2 AM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on the websites of both national federations as well as the tournament organizers so you can hurry to purchase yours.
The SoFi Stadium is the place to be on the night with the magnificent arena set to accommodate over 70,000 football-crazy fans. Getting match tickets may prove difficult as both sets of supporters would be desperate to get their hands on a copy.
Hence, those who are looking to attend Brazil vs Costa Rica tickets may be able to buy their tickets on a ticket resale site.
Team news
Neymar has been out of action for their tournament due to an ACL injury he suffered last October.
Brazil were also without the likes of Alisson Becker, Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, Joao Pedro, Ederson, Eder Militao, Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos for the most recent international window in March. It remains to be seen how many of their stars will be ruled out come the summer so you can stay posted for updates.
Pablo Arboine got injured playing for his country in March, but Costa Rica has most of their regulars available and they would hope it stays so for Copa America.
Line-ups
Brazil will be without a notable star name in Neymar but that could work in their favour as it gives their young but dynamic group a chance to grow into the tournament without excessive attention.
Thus, the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha and Richarlison are all tasked with providing the team with enough inspiration.
Brazil: Alisson; Emerson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Lodi; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vinicius
Costa Rica would be heavily reliant on veteran shot-stopper and captain, Keylor Navas, to keep out the vibrant Brazilian attacks. The 37-year-old is still the star of the team and he must put in an inspired performance to give his side any chance of taking a result from the game.
Coach Alfaro also needs so much to go his way to stand a chance against Brazil
Costa Rica: Navas; Dosman, Cascante, Arboine, Calvo, Mora; Campbell, Galo, Brenes, Zamora; Ugalde
Prediction
Brazil are favourites against any opponent but the recent form of both teams suggests the Seleção will be more desperate for a victory otherwise they have a lot to lose.
Costa Rica must be disciplined and compact in their shape but that just might not be enough to keep out their motivated opponents.
Brazil 4-0 Costa Rica