Brazil struggles in Copa America opener

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Brazil is a team with immense quality. And the fans of the side that is fourth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking always expect victory.

Brazil won Copa America in 2019 and was runners-up in 2021. Every time Vinicius Junior gets on the ball, fans edge forward in their seats, anticipating the 23-year-old winger's magic.

Others, like Rodrygo, who scored five goals for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League, and 17-year-old Endrick, who burst onto the international scene with a match-winning goal against England, also offer potential for success. 

The team is riddled with talent compared to many of their opponents. However, Brazil has failed to convert with results. The Selecao is 2-3-3 entering the tournament, dating back to Oct. of 2023, and Dorival Junior is the third manager since the 2022 World Cup.

Brazil's Copa America match on Monday against 52nd-ranked Costa Rica highlighted their recent struggles, as the two sides drew 0-0. 

Brazil dominated the match, limiting Costa Rica to two shots and 0.03 expected goals (xG). However, they failed to capitalize on their own chances, which totaled 1.66 xG. 

Rodrygo received a near post service on a free kick 20 minutes into the match and headed it towards the back post, where a charging Marquinhos tapped it in. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR check.

Sixty-three minutes into the match, Lucas Paqueta fired a shot from outside the box and hit the woodwork.

Costa Rica defended with grit, keeping Brazil out of the back of the net despite their numerous attempts. The result put Brazil and Costa Rica behind Colombia in Group D through one match. 

Costa Rica was also able to limit Brazil’s wingers, Raphinha and Vini. Many times, they received the ball on the flank and tried to take on their defender one-on-one. However, Costa Rica doubled and triple-marked them, limiting their ability to create chances. But even when they had opportunities, they failed to finish. 

“When Vini had the ball, he had two marks with a third mark approaching. Raphinha had the same,” Dorival said. “The one detail that was missing was the finishing, but they had opportunities. The defense stood well.

Dorival is not worried about the result. Instead, he believes the team lost because of the details and feels the same about their chances moving forward. 

“We did show some positive elements,” Dorival said. We have to find solutions, and our work will be directed in that sense. This is only natural. When there are no positive outcomes, there are many challenges to what we do. But I know what we are working on and all our efforts.”

Still, there is growing concern externally for Brazil. On Monday, they drew with a Costa Rican side that they outrank by 48 spots.

“It is a reward for these players,” said Costa Rica head coach Gustavo Alfaro. “If you had a look on their face when they were exchanging jerseys with admiration to other players. Some players on Brazil can win the Balon D’Or and are a high standard, so this was a test for them.” 

Many of Brazil's counterparts are surging. Colombia won their first group-stage match against Paraguay, improving their winning streak to nine matches. Over the same time, Brazil has shown little to be admired for.

Neymar’s reaction from the stands sums up the feeling.  

Brazil has two more group-stage matches, where they will face Paraguay and Colombia. There, they can change the perception of the team. But for now, it is filled with disappointment. 

“We need to do our own thing; this how we will achieve our classification to the knockouts,” Dorival said. “Today, we did not achieve the win for some details, but we showed a great level of play. I believe those details will help us in the next matches.”