.png)
Brazil's Vini Jr has nowhere to go as Costa Rica's defense locked down the Real Madrid striker. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
It was not the Selecao's night. A goal by Marquinhos in the 30' was disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR review from the referees. Misfiring 19 attempts with only three shots on target, Brazil could not find a way to get past Costa Rica's five-man defense.
Haxvel Quiros defends Vini Jr. in the first half of their group stage Copa America game . Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine
Ranked 4th in the world by FIFA and controlling the entire game with 74% ball possession, Brazil was held to a scoreless draw and splits a point with Costa Rica.
Costa Rica's National Football Team. Photo by Nicholai Roska @ Tangent Zine
Brazil's coach Dorival Junior acknowledged the defensive strategy deployed by the Costa Ricans on Vini Jr. "We tried with him on the wing, and we didn't succeed." Dorival went on, "Then we put him inside and we couldn't find a way through either... He was very well marked."
Vini Jr paces himself ahead of Costa Rica's Haxzel Quiros. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine
Brazil's dominance showed as they completed most of their passes, earning them their closest chance at goal after Luis Paqueta hit the post in the 62'. Desperate and still scoreless in the 71st minute, Dorival brought in the 17-year-old wonderkid Endrick and subbed Vini Jr. to shake up things in their attack.
Brazil's wonderkid (9) Endrick heads to the dugout post-match. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine
While Brazil fans have high expectations for this team's performance in the absence of Neymar and Casemiro, credit has to be given to its promising stars like Rodrygo and Endrick as multiple attempts were created in the second half. It was Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira's ridiculous late game saves that kept the Brazilians scoreless. He was later named Superior's player of the match for his heroics.
Vini Jr. looks at the referee to appeal a non-call on contact. Photo by Nicholai Roska @Tangent Zine
"We know we can improve; we have to improve, I also know what I can improve, evolve and do for our team."
"New coach, new players, everything takes time," Vinícius said.
Highlights from TUDN USA's YT Channel
Up Next: Brazil vs Paraguay 6/28 Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas 9 PM at FS1
Colombia vs Costa Rica State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona 6 PM Fs1
