2024-07-04 22:36:23
A low-key Brazil made its debut in the 2024 Copa América on Monday with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in Group D, unlike Colombia, which in the same group showed its credentials as a title contender by defeating Paraguay 2-1.
Since his debut in the continental tournament, coach Dorival Junior has tried to end an unprecedented cycle of disappointments, although the revamped Seleçao has not shown any signs of improvement.
The murmurs marked the discontent of the ‘supporters’ who were the great majority at the Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
Brazil seems to be the continuation of a long process that has accumulated five years without a continental title, 22 years without a world crown and an unusual sixth place currently in the South American qualifiers for North America-2026.
Forced to mature suddenly, the European champions with Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, and their new teammate Endrick (17 years old), failed in their first attempt as leaders of the drastic change that Dorival Junior advocates.
Major surgery without anaesthesia left behind figures such as former captain Casemiro and forwards Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus, while the emblematic Neymar, who is recovering from an injury, watched his teammates without much enthusiasm from a box in the stadium.
A heroic defense by the brave Costa Rican rearguard was enough to leave the highly valued Brazilian attack without arguments or ideas.
“The strong point of the opposing team was that they behaved very well from start to finish. They gave a lot of effort, they scored with a lot of dedication,” admitted the coach of the Seleçao in the press conference after the match.
Experienced Costa Rica coach, Argentine Gustavo Alfaro, deployed a double defensive line that frustrated the uncreative attempts of the Brazilian team.
“I hope they start to look at us with respect, because we are a team that will fight in an orderly manner, to fight until the end,” Alfaro said in a press conference after the match.
Brazil shares second place in Group D with Costa Rica, while Colombia leads the group with three points and Paraguay closes without points.
The Dorival Junior team will not be able to distract itself in its next match, against Paraguay on Friday in Las Vegas, while Colombia will qualify for the quarterfinals if it defeats Costa Rica that same day in Glendale, Arizona.
– James, the assistant –
With its 2-1 victory over Paraguay, the Colombian team has gone 24 games unbeaten, 21 of them with Argentine Néstor Lorenzo as coach.
Historic midfielder James Rodríguez was vital in adding to Colombia’s statistics at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The Colombian captain provided two assists with his stamp that led to Daniel Muñoz’s opening goal in the 31st minute and Jeferson Lerma’s second goal in the 42nd, both with headers.
“We were in a good position before James’ (first) shot, but it was a surprise shot, with excellent individual technique, and he took the ball to a difficult place to defend,” admitted Paraguay coach Daniel Garnero.
Paraguay added excitement and suspense to the match when they scored through their skilled Brighton striker Julio Enciso in the 69th minute.
Colombia won the match with headers, although their star striker Luis Díaz, who was in debt in the opening game, was barely present.
The Paraguayan team wasted almost all of the time, surprised by Colombia with the classic weapons of the Albirroja, but reacted in the second half and put their rival on the ropes without being able to achieve equality.
At the start of the second round, Argentina, which won its opening match, will face Chile on Tuesday at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while Peru and Canada will play that day at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City (Kansas).
© Agence France-Presse
