Ratings of players like Vini Jr. and the Selecao stumble in the first match of the Copa America 2024

Brazil’s bid for a third consecutive Copa America final began tonight against Costa Rica, and the team managed a 0-0 draw with Los Ticos.

After struggling in the Copa America final against the USA, Brazil had to come out hungry against Costa Rica in their first match of the tournament. The Selecao were unbeaten against Los Ticos in their last nine matches, and as favorites in Group D, Dorival Junior’s side were expected to leave the SoFi Stadium with three points.

How did the game happen?

Brazil looked comfortable starting slowly, dominating possession and feeling Costa Rica without any real push forward. Brazil’s passing and build-up kept the ball firmly out of their own half, but aside from a couple of chances and a penalty after Vini Jr. went into the box in the 22nd minute, Brazil didn’t really test Sequeira.

The first game came in the 30th minute, scored by Raphinha. The winger hit a left-footed cross that was ruled out by Rodrygo to Marquinhos waiting at the back post. The goal would have put Brazil up 1-0, but it was ruled offside after a lengthy review process.

Frustration seemed to be building in Dorival Junior’s starting XI as they failed to get past Costa Rica’s back line. Both sides went into the dressing room tied at 0-0, and the opening minutes of the second half were very similar. Despite Brazil scoring less, they tend to look unmotivated and disjointed in the final third.

Paqueta came close to scoring with a powerful strike from 25 yards in the 63rd minute, but was denied by the woodwork. Then, in the dying minutes of the second half, Paqueta sent a beautiful long ball over the top which the keeper failed to connect, freeing Rodrygo in front of the net, but the Brazilian chose to look at the ball instead of the shot.

When the final whistle blew indicating the final result at 0-0, Brazil looked defeated.

GK: Alisson – 6/10 – Alisson didn’t need to show off his impressive skills as Costa Rica managed to score zero goals.

RB: Danilo – 7/10 – From the start, Danilo looked sharp, using the space on the right side of the pitch to link up with Raphinha in attack. Juventus’ defensive strength at right back was not needed against Costa Rica, so he was free to push forward.

CB: Marquinhos – 6/10 – Marquinhos did his job tonight by keeping Costa Rica scoreless. No heroics at the back were needed, but the PSG man gave a (temporary) chance in attack to put Brazil 1-0 up before being ruled offside.

CB: Eder Militao – 6/10 – Militao has looked in good form coming off his ACL injury which has ruled him out for most of the 2023/24 season. Although he didn’t do much tonight, he was always there to block a few passes from the Costa Rica forward. The Real Madrid defender was booked in the 81st minute.

LB: Guilherme Arana – 6/10 – In his 8th international game, Arana gave the nod to Wendell, but failed to leave an impact on the game. He was caught out of position several times, and was brought down by heavy tackles that halted Brazil’s attack.

CM: Joao Gomes – 7/10 – Gomes over Douglas Luiz was a surprising decision from Dorival Junior, but it looks fine. The Wolverhampton midfielder seemed to always be in the right position to return the ball to his team and was in good possession before coming off in the 83rd minute.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes – 6/10 – Bruno has emerged as one of Dorival Junior’s most trusted players, and he showed what he can add to the midfield tonight. He was key to Brazil’s possession and calmly set the tempo in the game.

CM: Lucas Paqueta – 6/10 – Paqueta had an up and down night. The midfielder scored what could have been the winner, and linked up well with the forwards to create more chances for Brazil. He also had a lot of shots on target and poor crosses that did nothing to help a struggling attack.

RW: Raphinha – 5/10 – Raphinha worked hard tonight, but he lacked the quality Brazil need on the right. Despite a few strong possessions from set pieces, the Barcelona player was easily blocked by Los Ticos’ numbers behind the ball. Questions will be asked whether Endrick or Savio should start instead.

ST: Rodrygo – 6/10 – Rodrygo looked the best of Brazil’s front three, driving the ball into dangerous areas and driving through Costa Rica’s defence. He often went deep into midfield to try and help the attack, but to no avail.

LW: Vinicius Junior – 5/10 – Vini Jr. he did his best to check Costa Rica’s backline, but he was so unsuccessful that he was sent off in the 71st minute by Endrick. The Ballon d’Or front-runner found it difficult to show the skill he is capable of, struggling to find that final pass or finish even when he moved into a central role.

What you are holding

Endrick – 5/10 – The 17-year-old failed to make a breakthrough against Costa Rica’s defenders.

Savio – 6/10 – Savio was the dominant presence on the pitch, providing a late spark for Brazil as he took on players and did his best to find the winner.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10 – Martinelli only played the last seven minutes of the game and stoppage time, scoring five goals.

The manager

Dorival Junior – 6/10 – Dorival Junior will face criticism for Brazil’s draw on points. His players lacked the quality needed to defend three points, managing only three shots on target. The manager will have to go back to the drawing board and make a few changes before Brazil face Paraguay on Friday.

Brazil now face an uphill battle to claim top spot in Group D. Colombia have already won their match against Paraguay in convincing fashion and extended their unbeaten run to 24 games, and Los Cafeteros now look like a real threat to Brazil.