Brazil will face Costa Rica in a highly anticipated Group D match in the 2024 Copa America on Tuesday at SoFi Stadium.
As the nine-time winners, Brazil enters the competition with high expectations. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, team news, and form analysis.
Brazil’s Form and Performance
Recent Matches
Brazil's recent form has been a mixed bag. Under new coach Dorival Junior, they played to a 1-1 draw against the USA in their final pre-tournament match.
Despite this, Brazil remains unbeaten in their last four matches under Junior’s guidance, showing promise after a rocky period under former coach Fernando Diniz.
Historical Performance
Historically, Brazil has been a dominant force in Copa America, although their last outing in the United States saw them failing to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 1987.
They have not lost to a CONCACAF opponent since 2012, demonstrating their strength against teams from this region.
Costa Rica’s Form and Performance
Recent Matches
Costa Rica enters the Copa America with a strong recent record. They secured a 3-0 victory over Grenada in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
In their last six matches, they have won four and lost only once, showing resilience and competitive spirit.
Historical Performance
Costa Rica has struggled against Brazil historically, losing nine consecutive matches against the Selecao.
Their only victory over Brazil came in the 1960 Pan-American Championship. However, they have shown potential in their recent fixtures and will aim to break their losing streak.
Team News
Brazil
Brazil will be missing several key players due to injuries.
Manchester City's goalkeeper Ederson is out with an eye socket fracture, Casemiro is sidelined with a knock, Neymar is recovering from an ACL injury, and Richarlison has a calf issue.
Alisson will start as the goalkeeper, with Marquinhos and Lucas Paqueta providing experience and leadership.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s squad is relatively stable, with Francisco Calvo and Joel Campbell leading the team with over 100 caps each.
Newcomer Douglas Sequeira is the only player without an international cap.
Orlando Galo and Alvaro Zamora, who have scored recently in World Cup qualifiers, will be crucial for their offensive strategies.
Predicted Lineups
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Militao, Wendell; Guimaraes, Luiz; Raphinha, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Junior
Costa Rica: Sequeira; Cascante, Vargas, Calvo; Quiros, Galo, Aguilera, Mora; Campbell, Zamora; Contreras
Prediction
Given Brazil’s depth and talent, coupled with Costa Rica’s historical struggles against them, Brazil is expected to win.
Our Prediction: Brazil 2 - 0 Costa Rica
Brazil 
Costa Rica 
