When Brazil plays Costa Rica in the opening game of the Copa America 2024, all eyes will be on them. Dorival Junior, the new coach of Brazil, will be leading the squad in a major event for the first time since taking over earlier this year, thus this game will be a big test for him.
After a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, Dorival Junior was given the difficult task of turning around the Brazilian team in January 2024. In their most recent friendly matches, Brazil has looked promising under his direction, going undefeated with wins against Mexico and England and drawing with Spain and the US. The team still has to establish its ideal balance and cohesiveness despite these positive outcomes.
Brazil vs Costa Rica:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) June 25, 2024
74% possession
690 passes
0 goals
Cardio. pic.twitter.com/swHJhjuTS0
In a press conference held prior to the game, Dorival Junior said, "We need to find a balance, a regularity, for this team that was assembled three months ago and is now rediscovering itself." He stressed that consistency is essential as the team advances in the competition.
The Brazilian team is made up of both young and seasoned players. Stars from the Premier League Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus are conspicuously absent from the lineup, along with seasoned veterans Thiago Silva and Casemiro. Rather, Dorival Junior has put his faith in younger players, such as Raphinha of Barcelona and Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo of Real Madrid.
Dorival Junior remarked, "We are still a team in formation, with some players who maybe didn't even imagine being here at this moment." He highlighted the team's background in both Brazilian and international football as evidence of his faith in their skills.
The 17-year-old forward Endrick, who will leave Palmeiras after the Copa America, is a noteworthy player to watch. It is predicted that he will begin the game on the bench, but his potential effect is exciting. "We must regress if there is an imbalance on the field. Endrick is relaxed because he knows that. Given his exceptional abilities as a player, it might not take long for him to get going," Dorival Junior remarked.
¿Se parecen o no? 🧐
— TNT Sports México (@tntsportsmex) June 25, 2024
Dorival Júnior 🤝 Gustavo Alfaro. pic.twitter.com/ymVNGo1vcu
A strong challenge comes from Costa Rica, a team that has qualified for the last three World Cups. Even if they are going through a change, they are still a strong and capable group. Danilo, the captain of Brazil, issued a warning to underestimate their opponents. "Costa Rica has a team with players that are incredibly vertical, fast to transition, and maybe very good at defense. In football, there are no easy teams," he declared.
Danilo emphasized the significance of concentration and earnestness as the youthful Brazilian squad commences this campaign. "Some of the players are new to the national squad, so we have a youthful group. It's time to tone down the jokes and smiles a little and concentrate more on the sport," he said.
Neymar is STRESSED watching Brazil vs. Costa Rica 😵💫 pic.twitter.com/pprj6gdUaF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 25, 2024
Match details and broadcast information
Venue: The Brazil vs Costa Rica Group D match will be held in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, California, USA.
Date and Time: The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 am IST on Tuesday (6:00 pm Pacific Time on Monday).
Live Streaming and Telecast: For fans eager to watch the game, it’s important to note that organizers of the 2024 Copa America have not yet announced a broadcaster for the tournament in India. Fans will need to stay tuned for updates on live streaming options.
The encounter between Brazil and Costa Rica to start their Copa America 2024 campaign looks to be an exciting mix of tactical play, up-and-coming talent, and strategic movements. Brazil hopes to settle into a groove and leave a lasting mark on the competition with Dorival Junior leading the way. The Selecao Canarinho will be eagerly watched by football fans worldwide as they look to reclaim their dominance on the South American scene.