Brazil’s Copa America campaign began on a disappointing note as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Costa Rica on Monday night. Despite dominating possession with 74 percent of the ball, the nine-time champions, led by Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, failed to secure a victory in their opening match in Los Angeles.
The Brazilian team, known for its offensive prowess, managed only three shots on target throughout the game. Costa Rica’s resilient defense frustrated the favorites, with a crucial moment coming when Marquinhos’ close-range effort was disallowed by VAR for offside in the 33rd minute. Additionally, Rodrygo’s appeal for a penalty after being brought down in the box was waved away by the referee.
The match saw Brazil unable to break through Costa Rica’s sturdy backline despite numerous efforts. A packed crowd of 67,158 at SoFi Stadium, predominantly Brazilian supporters, watched as their team struggled to find the back of the net. Brazil had several chances, including a shot from Lucas Paqueta that hit the post and a near own-goal from Costa Rica’s Haxzel Quiros, but luck was not on their side.
This result leaves Colombia at the top of Group D following their 2-1 win over Paraguay earlier in the evening. Brazil, in a transitional phase without Neymar due to injury, now faces a challenging path forward in the tournament. Costa Rica’s young and determined squad celebrated the draw, marking a significant achievement against a team they had previously lost to nine consecutive times.
