In the early hours of Tuesday, Brazil and Costa Rica begin their Copa America in Group D of the competition.
BrazilAs is usually the case with the Selecao heading into most tournaments, they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
However, their recent international form has been slightly unconvincing lately. Although they are undefeated in four outings, Dorival Junior’s team has won just twice in eight international matches, which is a poor record for a squad with such a choice of quality players.
One of the hosts of Real Madrid stars in the squad, Rodrygo has been in decent form recently, scoring in two of his team’s last three matches.
Brazil reached the final of the 2021 Copa America, but it was defeated 1-0 by arch-rivals Argentina. The loss ended the Selecao's 12-game unbeaten run in the competition.
The final itself followed a familiar low-scoring pattern, as Brazil’s last four games in the Copa have produced under 2.5 goals.
Costa RicaGustavo Alvaro’s team will be full of confidence heading into this encounter, as they have claimed four victories in their previous six matches, having suffered just one defeat in the run.
The strong run of form includes two consecutive victories over Saint Kitts and Nevis and Grenada, having scored at least two goals in each victory.
Costa Rica has also been strong defensively lately, having not conceded in their last three international games.
Costa Rica last played in the Copa America in 2016. It was a mixed tournament for them, as they won once, drew once, and lost once in their four group games. Their one victory was a 3-2 win over Colombia in the last game of the group, which ended a three-game winless run.
The game against Colombia also ended a three-game goal drought for Costa Rica at the Copa.
What am I backing?It’s hard to ignore Brazil’s favourites tag for this clash, and I am backing Vinicius Junior and co to record a victory.
