Brazil were as dominant as can be, but couldn’t make their way past a desperate Costa Rican defense and were forced to settle for a scoreless draw to begin their 2024 Copa America campaign on Monday.
[ MORE: 2024 Copa America predictions | Copa America schedule ]
The nine-time South American champions had the ball in the back of the net once in the 30th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a lengthy video review. Lucas Paqueta, who also struck the post with Brazil’s best chance of the second half, served up a free kick that Rodrygo flicked toward the far post with a stooping header. Marquinhos streaked in at the back post and touched the ball home as it was going just wide, but he had strayed ever so slightly offside when Rodrygo helped the ball on.
Costa Rica attempted their first shot of the game, from 30 yards out, in the 68th minute. Los Ticos’ only other effort came in the 75th minute. The two shots, neither of which were on target, amassed 0.03 xG.
Brazil will face Paraguay next in Group D play, on Sunday, right after Costa Rica take on Colombia.
Brazil vs Costa Rica player ratings
Brazil vs Costa Rica highlights, final score: 0-0
Goalscorers: None
POST: Lucas Paqueta smashes the post from 30 yards
SO CLOSE FOR BRAZIL AGAIN! 👀🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/xeghTiP97r
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2024
OFFSIDE: Marquinhos’ opening goal ruled out for offside after lengthy video review
NO GOAL FOR BRAZIL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2024
After review the goal is disallowed ❌ pic.twitter.com/Bb8T2TzsZB
Brazil starting lineup
Alisson — Danilo, Militao, Marquinhos, Arana — Guimaraes, Gomes, Paqueta — Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius
Costa Rica starting lineup
Sequeira — Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo — Quiros, Brenes, Galo, Lassiter — Aguilera, Ugalde, Zamora
How to watch Brazil vs Costa Rica, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9pm ET, Monday (June 24)
Stadium: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
How to watch on TV in USA: FS1, Fox Sports
Brazil team news, focus
This is a good chance for Brazil to get its defending right ahead of Colombia and Paraguay tests. Dorival Junior started eight different defenders started in the back four over the past two friendlies, a 1-1 draw with the USMNT and a 3-2 win over Mexico. Eder Militao for the win?
Costa Rica team news, focus
Manfred Ugalde is one to watch, as the 22-year-old Spartak Moscow forward has impressed since moving to Europe. Nottingham Forest youngster Brandon Aguilera and CF Montreal veteran Ariel Lassiter will have a lot asked of them in the midfield.
Brazil vs Costa Rica prediction
Costa Rica could surprise this month, but it’s unlikely to happen on Monday. Brazil 4-1 Costa Rica