After Columbia – who are also in Brazil’s group – picked up all three points against Peru in Group D’s opening encounter of the 2024 Copa America, Brazil failed to win as they were held to a goalless draw against Costa Rica on Tuesday.
The 11-time Copa America Champions impressed as they dominated the game in the first half but all attempts to get a goal proved futile. Brazil saw 72% of the Ball against Costa Rica’s 28%.
The midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Gomes, and Lucas Paqueta displayed short passes in the first half as they dominated the game.
Real Madrid wonderkid Rodrygo scored a goal for Brazil in the 30th minute after he connected with his head with a cross from Marquinhos, but just when the celebration was ongoing referee Cesar Arturo was called by the VAR officials to review the goal and eventually, the Goal was ruled out for offside.
The Brazilian national team continued their dominance in the second half in search of an opener as West Ham attacker Lucas Paqueta came close to scoring in the 63rd minute, but his shot at goal hit the right post, which went out of play.
5 shots on goal for the Brazilian national team against 1 for Costa Rica in the second half was enough to hand Brazil a goal but the Seleção Canarinho were just unlucky.
17-year-old Endrick came on as a substitute to replace Vinicius Junior in the 69th minute as the Brazilian team kept on searching for a goal. There were no goals after 90 minutes after Brazil dominated possession with 70% against 30% for Costa Rica. 7 shots on goal for Brazil, while Costa Rica had only 1 shot on goal at the end of the game.
Interestingly, 25-year-old Costa Rica goalkeeper, Patrick Sequeira was named man of the match as he made 7 saves during the game to deny Brazil a goal.
Colombia is now top of the table in Group D with 3 points, while Brazil and Costa Rica follow suit with 1 point each. Paraguay is in 4th position after a 2-1 loss to Colombia yesterday.
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
