Costa Rica bent however by no means broke on Monday, dealing with Brazil to a 0-0 draw within the first match of the Copa América, the quadrennial South American soccer championship that might be performed within the United States this summer time with six groups invited by different elements of the Americas.
With injured captain Neymar watching from the sidelines, Brazil dominated possession, controlling the ball for greater than 65 of the 90 minutes and beating Costa Rica 19-2. But he failed to attain on Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira, who was blocked for the third time in seven video games.
Brazil misplaced a aim late within the first half after Marquinhos scored from shut vary from a set piece, solely to be dominated offside after a prolonged video evaluate. Then within the 63rd minute, Lucas Paquetà’s left-footed shot from outdoors the realm eludes Sequeira however hits the close to put up.
Less than 10 minutes later, Costa Rica once more escaped catastrophe when midfielder Haxzel Quiros misinterpreted an tried clearance, sending it into his crew’s aim as an alternative. But Sequeira reacted shortly and pushed the ball vast of the left put up.
Brazil, fourth within the newest FIFA rankings, have struggled of late, successful simply two of their final eight matches and falling to sixth in CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying event. Monday’s mediocre efficiency towards No. 52 Costa Rica provided no cause to consider Brazil may change course anytime quickly. And that would imply an early exit from the regional championship he has received 9 occasions.
In the opposite Group D opener, Colombia beat Paraguay 2-1 in Houston. With solely the highest two groups from every four-team group advancing to subsequent month’s quarterfinals, Brazil wants a win or draw towards Paraguay on Friday to get its event again on monitor.
