Brazil vs Costa Rica: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024

Preview

Brazil vs Costa Rica will be the second game in Group D of Copa America 2024 and will take place at the SoFi Stadium as both teams will look to get their campaign off to a positive start.

The Selecao will enter this contest on the back of decent run of form. They are currently unbeaten in their last four games, securing two wins and two draws. However, they lost three on the bounce in the three games prior to that – all against CONMEBOL opponents. Having defeated Mexico 3-2, Brazil drew 1-1 against the USA in their last game and will be looking to start the Copa with a win.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, will enter this contest on the back of a slightly better run of form compared to their opponents. They have secured four wins in their last eight games across competitions, falling to three defeats and one draw in the other games. Their last two games have been phenomenal though, as they defeated St. Kitts and Nevis 4-0 before defeating Grenada 3-0, and will look to carry that forward.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.

Brazil vs Costa Rica Team News

Brazil

Manager Dorival Junior gave most of his fringe players a run out during their 3-2 win against Mexico, but reverted back to what seems like a full-strength squad in the 1-1 draw against the USA. He will stick to the latter lineup for this tournament.

Alisson will start as the main goalkeeper, with skipper Danilo alongside Marquinhos and Wendell in defence. Bruno Guimaraes will man the midfield alongside Joao Gomes. Raphinha and Rodrygo will occupy the wide attacking spots, with Vinicius Junior playing as the lone striker.

Costa Rica

Manager Gustavo Alfaro fielded two strong lineups in their last two games, but it seems as though the XI that faced Grenada is first-choice.

Patrick Sequeira will be the starting goalkeeper, with skipper Francisco Calvo, Julio Cascante and Jeyland Mitchell in front of him in defence. Brandon Aguilera and Gerald Taylor will man the midfield. Manfred Ugalde and Josimar Alcocer will be the wingers, while Alvaro Zamora will lead the line.

Predicted Lineups

Brazil

Predicted XI: Alisson (GK); Danilo (C), Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Wendell; Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Gomes; Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Rodrygo; Vinicius Junior.

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Costa Rica

Predicted XI: Patrick Sequeira (GK); Jeyland Mitchell, Julio Cascante, Francisco Calvo (C); Gerald Taylor, Orlando Galo, Brandon Aguilera, Ariel Lassiter; Josimar Alcocer, Alvaro Zamora, Manfred Ugalde.

Key Players to Watch

• Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – The forward is coming off an incredible season with Real Madrid, having won LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League. He bagged an impressive 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions at club level. He has made 30 appearances for Brazil so far and has scored just three goals along with five assists as he will look to add to that tally.
  
• Manfred Ugalde (Costa Rica) – Winger Ugalde had a great game for Costa Rica against Grenada last time around as he was involved in all their three goals. He opened the scoring for his country just nine minutes into the game and grabbed his first assist in the 34^th minute. He grabbed his second assist in the second half and will look to keep impacting his team positively.

Brazil vs Costa Rica Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced off exactly five times in their entire history. However, it comes as no surprise that Brazil have been dominant, winning each of the last five meetings between the two.

Last 5 Games

• Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica [06/18]
• Brazil 1-0 Costa Rica [09/15]
• Costa Rica 0-1 Brazil [10/11]
• Costa Rica 2-5 Brazil [06/02]
• Brazil 1-0 Costa Rica [06/90]

Prediction

Brazil will enter the next game as overwhelming favourites, which is backed by their performances in their last five meetings with Costa Rica. They also have a much better talent pool and squad and Costa Rica will struggle against them.

Prediction: Brazil 3-0 Costa Rica.

When & Where to watch Brazil vs Costa Rica live?

Q. When & where will the game kick-off?

A. Brazil vs Costa Rica will be played at the SoFi Stadium in California on Tuesday, June 25 and will kick-off at 2:00 AM (GMT).

Q. Where will the match be telecast in the UK?

A. Premier Sports will be telecasting the match.

Q. Where will the match be shown in the USA?

A. Fox Sports will do the English telecast, while TUDN will do the Spanish one.

Q. Where will the game be available to watch in Brazil?

A. Grupo Globo will be telecasting the game.

Q. Where can you watch the game in Costa Rica?

A. Teletica will be streaming the game live.

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