In their opening match of the Copa America at SoFi Stadium on Monday, Brazil and Costa Rica played to a scoreless draw, leaving both teams tied for second in Group D with one point each. The match showcased Brazil's dominant possession and offensive efforts but highlighted Costa Rica's resolute defensive strategy.
Brazil's Dominance in Possession
Brazil controlled the game with an impressive 74% possession, reflecting their intent to dictate the pace and create scoring opportunities. However, despite their dominance with the ball, converting possession into goals proved challenging. Dorival Junior's side managed 19 shots throughout the game, a testament to their aggressive approach. Yet, precision was lacking as only four of those attempts were on target.
Marquinhos' Disallowed Goal
One of the key moments of the match came around the half-hour mark when Marquinhos appeared to have broken the deadlock, much to the delight of the Brazilian fans. However, the celebration was short-lived as a VAR check revealed an offside by a teammate, nullifying the score. It was a significant blow for Brazil, who were desperate to capitalize on their overwhelming possession.
Brazil's Struggles in Front of Goal
The statistics provide a stark picture of Brazil's attacking inefficiency. Despite an expected goals (xG) of 1.66, Brazil failed to find the back of the net, underscoring issues in their finishing. Dorival Junior made a bold move by substituting the 17-year-old sensation Endrick for Vinicius Junior in the 71st minute, hoping the young talent could spark a breakthrough. "Despite this tactical change, the young talent couldn't break through Costa Rica's disciplined defense," Dorival Junior said post-match.
Costa Rica's Defensive Resolve
Costa Rica, featuring the youngest team in the competition with players primarily from the domestic league, executed a disciplined defensive game plan. Under the guidance of manager Gustavo Alfaro, the team adopted a low block and applied pressure in numbers, effectively stifling Brazil's attacking endeavours. "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 remarked.
Costa Rica's defensive approach was evident as they did not register a single shot on target, clearly prioritizing their organization at the back over offensive forays.
Recent Performances and Upcoming Matches
This result adds to Brazil's mixed performances in 2023. Finishing sixth in CONMEBOL's 10-team World Cup qualifying table, Brazil's form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in six qualifying games. Notable results this year include a 1-0 victory over England in March and draws against Spain and the U.S. men's national team, with scores of 3-3 and 1-1, respectively.
Currently, Colombia leads Group D following a 2-1 win over Paraguay in the opening round. Brazil's next challenge will be against Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium, where they will aim to secure a crucial victory to enhance their standings in the group.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will be looking to build on their performances. Brazil, despite their dominance, will need to find a way to translate their possession and chances into goals. For Costa Rica, replicating their defensive solidity while finding ways to threaten offensively will be key to their success in the competition.