Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction: Copa America Team News and Lineups Preview
Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 1: Bank on Brazilian goals
USA, Copa America, Tuesday, June 25th, 02:00 (UK)
Since Dorival Junior’s appointment, the former Flamengo manager has rallied his troops and appears to have the full backing of his squad heading into Copa America.
Despite a few defensive errors in recent friendlies, which are a cause for concern when facing stronger opponents than Costa Rica, Brazil have been rather lethal in front of goal.
After beating England 1-0 at Wembley thanks to Endrick’s first goal for the senior side, Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain at the Bernabeu before edging past Mexico 3-2. It’s important to note Brazilian fans take all games seriously, and the expectation is that they win all of them.
A total of five different goalscorers within those matches showcase the amount of talent Brazil has oozing through their squad. A CONCACAF nation, in particular Costa Rica, do not have the players to stop Brazil from carving them open.
A mix of domestic based players with a few plying their trade in the MLS, Costa Rica are expected to finish bottom of Group D and bow out at the first hurdle. Keylor Navas has also decided to hang up his gloves, which will be a huge loss. They are not well-equipped for this tournament.
As mentioned, there are defensive concerns regarding Brazil heading into this tournament, but little to none when it comes to their attack. If Vinicius Jr can finally find his feet for the Seleção, we could be in for a treat.
Backing Brazil to score in both halves looks to be one of the safer options rather than chasing a handicap line.
- Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 1: Brazil to Score in Both Halves
- Best Odds: 1.72
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 2: Bento to the rescue
Although Brazil’s defence hasn’t been at its best, and with Junior still struggling to work out who to start, it’s perhaps a bold play to back them to keep a clean sheet. However, they won’t get a better opportunity, and if they can’t keep Costa Rica at arms length, you’d have to worry about their progression in this tournament.
Despite Brazil’s defensive fragility, they did manage to keep England at bay, at Wembley, with a makeshift defence. They may have conceded three vs Spain, but two were controversial penalties – after the hosts had announced VAR wasn’t going to be used for the friendly. Interesting.
Costa Rica have scored in four of their last five matches. But before you panic, goals against Honduras, Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis shouldn’t concern anyone. Yes, they scored against Argentina in a friendly in between, but a rebound which kindly fell so kindly to Manfred Ugalde – the young striker could hardly believe his luck. Argentina went on to win 3-1 comfortably.
The CONCACAF nation failed to score against a “reserve” Uruguay side shortly afterwards, which shows exactly where they are. Brazil are far superior, and if they want to win this competition, they need to make a statement in their opening match.
- Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 2: Brazil and BTTS No
- Best Odds: 1.715
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 3: Favourites to carve Costa open
In Dorival Junior’s three matches to date, he’s firmly relied on late goals (and drama) to secure either a draw or victory. Brazil have been known for their sluggish starts over the last 18 months, and it appears to be not all that different under the new head coach.
It’ll be no surprise to see Costa Rica line up with two banks of five against the tournament second favourites, in particular in the first half, as they’ll look to get to half-time still in the match.
Whether that happens or not is another story, but Brazil’s overall quality should shine through as their CONCACAF opponents tire as the match progresses.
This bet has landed in all of Junior’s three games in charge to date, and if Endrick is kept on his leash until the second half, expect the new Real Madrid striker to come on and cause Costa Rica plenty of problems.
- Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction 3: Second Half Most Goals
- Best Odds: 2.00
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Uruguay vs Panama Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, June 11th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Brazil vs Costa Rica Team News and Possible Lineups: Endrick to pounce from the bench
There’s a lot of debate happening as to whether or not Endrick should start for Brazil. However, it’s likely Junior will look to utilise his youngster from the bench if and when looking for a goal.
It’s worked seamlessly so far, with the Real Madrid forward having scored in all three matches to date when being introduced in the second half. It’s quite crazy to think he already has the same amount of goals for Brazil as Vinicius Jr.
His new Real Madrid teammate hasn’t always impressed for the national side, but after an incredible domestic campaign, Vinicius Jr has had the perfect springboard to contribute to his team’s success in the US.
Brazil possible starting lineup:
Bento; Wendell, Bremer, Militao, Couto, Pereira, Paqueta, Guimaraes, Savio, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Costa Rica possible starting lineup:
Sequeira; Mora, Calvo, Arboine, Cascante, Dosman, Madrigal, Galo, Brenes, Zamora, Ugalde
Copa America 2024 Match Stats: Brazil to dominate throughout
- Brazil has beaten Costa Rica in all seven head-to-heads since 1990 to 2018.
- Brazil has only conceded three goals in two of those seven matches against Costa Rica.
- Endrick has the same amount of goals (three) in three appearance for Brazil as Vinicius Jr.
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