BRAZIL begin their quest to reclaim the Copa America as they battle Costa Rica in their opening Group D fixture. The Brazilians are one of the favourites for this year’s title and will be targeting a comfortable victory over the Costa Ricans.
Nine time winners of the Copa America, Brazil will be looking to reclaim the title they won in 2021. Having lost in the final last time out, they will be keen to go one better this time around.
Brazil are always fancied at the Copa America and will be feeling confident this year with a squad of young players like Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Endrick. Dorival Junior's men head into the competition unbeaten in their last four matches, with wins over England and Mexico among their results in that run.
Costa Rica have made five previous appearances at the Copa America and have struggled to make an impression. They last featured in the competition back in 2016, crashing out of the group stage.
The Costa Ricans wrapped up preparations for the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Grenada, although they are set to face much tougher opponents in the US. Gustavo Alfaro’s men are likely to struggle against the big guns, as evidenced by their recent 3-1 defeat to defending champions Argentina.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Brazil
Brazil are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a win priced at 1/6 by Betfred. An unlikely victory for Costa Rica is valued at 14/1 while a draw is set at odds of 11/2.
Head to head: Brazil all the way
Brazil have won all 10 previous matches against Costa Rica and claimed a 2-0 victory in the last meeting during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Last five H2H duels:
- 22/06/2018 (World Cup) – Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
- 05/09/2015 (International Friendly) – Costa Rica 0-1 Brazil
- 08/10/2011 (International Friendly) – Costa Rica 0-1 Brazil
- 11/07/2004 (Copa America) – Brazil 4-1 Costa Rica
- 13/06/2002 (World Cup) – Costa Rica 2-5 Brazil
Players to watch: Red hot Endrick
Endrick burst into the scene this year and has impressed in all his appearances for Brazil. The young forward has found the net three times in the last four international matches and is priced at 19/20 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Costa Rica have shown some attacking verve in recent times, with Manfred Ugalde often leading the line. The forward has scored in two of his last three appearances for the national team and is priced at 11/2 by Betfred to find the net once again.
Probable line-ups
Endrick is likely to feature in attack for Brazil alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Lucas Beraldo should partner Marquinhos at the back while Alisson is expected to start in goal.
Manfred Ugalde is expected to lead the line once again for Costa Rica alongside Alvaro Zamora. Brandon Aguilera should get the nod in midfield while Julio Cascante is set feature in defence.
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Wendell, Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Paqueta, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Endrick
Costa Rica: Sequeira, Mitchell, Cascante, Calvo, Galo, Aguilera, Taylor, Lassiter, Alocer, Ugalde, Zamora
Anything else catch the eye?
Brazil are expected to be dominant on Tuesday and could be backed to win both halves at 21/20 with Betfred. Their attacking quality means a -2 handicap could also be considered at 6/5 with Betfred.
Tuesday’s clash is likely to be a high scoring encounter, so over 3.5 goals could be considered at 6/5 with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Brazil and Costa Rica will be played on Jun 25, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brazil vs Costa Rica prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
