Costa Rica pulled off a surprise in Los Angeles, defying a disappointing Brazil with a strong defensive performance. Their defensive boss had a curious reason for the clean sheet
With injured superstar Neymar in attendance, Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Costa Rica in front of 67,158 spectators at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium – an unsuccessful debut for coach Dorival Junior in his first game with the Selecao in an official competition.
The Ticos’ defense held out against the favorites for the entire duration of the match and despite conceding 19 goals. Even the attacking changes in the second half – Girona’s Savio (20), the future Real professional Endrick (still 17) and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli (23) did not bring the hoped-for penetration into the game of the record world champions. Among the few highlights were a supposed goal by Marquinhos (30), which was disallowed for being just offside, and a shot by Lucas Paqueta that hit the post (63).
Five meters short of the FIFA standard
Brazil defender Marquinhos (PSG) had a rather strange explanation for his team’s ultimately poor performance: “The pitch is smaller and makes attacking play more difficult,” explained the 30-year-old. At the Copa, the majority of games are played in NFL stadiums, whose pitches are five meters less wide than usual in soccer. However, the FIFA standard is planned for the World Cup in two years’ time at the same venue.
After good performances against England and Spain in the friendly matches in Europe in March, the Selecao’s trend of draws continues, having recently failed to get past Mexico and the USA in tests.
With nine titles, Brazil are third in the list of South American championship winners. The last Copa America was won on home soil in 2019. Costa Rica are taking part in the competition for the sixth time, but have never made it past the quarter-finals.
Palace duo lead Colombia to victory
In the second match on Monday (local time), Colombia lived up to their role as favorites and extended their unbeaten streak since February 2022 to 24 (19 wins, five draws) with a 2:1 (2:0) win over Paraguay in Houston.
Captain James Rodriguez made his mark on the game for the “Cafeteros”. The 32-year-old, who was under contract with Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, set up Daniel Munoz (32) and Jefferson Lerma (42) – both of whom play for Crystal Palace under coach Oliver Glasner – in the first half and initiated many attacking moves. Paraguay, who lost an opening game for the first time in 17 Copa tournaments, only found an answer through Julio Enciso (69, Brighton & Hove Albion).
On Tuesday, Peru and Canada open the next round. One day after his 37th birthday, however, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who will face the then winners Chile with Argentina in a rematch of the 2015 and 2016 finals.
