Brazil vs Costa Rica

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood sets the stage for an exciting 2024 Copa America Group D opener between Brazil and Costa Rica.

Brazil touch down on US soil seeking amends for missing out on a tenth Copa America crown in the home comforts of Maracana in 2021 when their fiercest rivals, Argentina, edged them out 1-0. The prospect of becoming only the third nation to win the tournament 10+ times looked extremely remote toward the end of 2023 when the Selecao lost three consecutive matches in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle, a run they last encountered in 2001. However, the arrival of new head coach Dorival Junior has turned Brazil’s fortunes around, as they’re now unbeaten in four (W2, D2), including a 1-1 draw against the United States last time out. Traditionally fast Copa America starters, the Brazilians have commenced five consecutive tournaments on a positive note (W3, D2).

Considering Brazil kept a clean sheet in four of those five matches, Costa Rica’s hopes of getting their first Copa America campaign since 2016 off to a flying start looks unlikely. Los Ticos have failed to make it out of the group stages in three of their five previous Copa America appearances, highlighting the importance of a fast start. However, Gustavo Alfaro’s men lament a disastrous H2H record against Brazil, losing ten of their 11 historic meetings (W1) while failing to score on six occasions. On the upside, they’ve fared well in 2024, racking up four wins in six games (D1, L1). With an average age of less than 25, Costa Rica are the tournament’s youngest squad, which could be a double-edged sword.