Brazil missed a string of possibilities and had been left to rue an absence of high quality within the remaining third after they had been held 0-0 by Costa Rica of their Copa América Group D opener in Los Angeles on Monday.
Brazil, who got here into the Copa América on the again of a run of poor ends in current months, dominated possession however lacked precision in entrance of purpose with simply three of their 19 photographs heading in the right direction.
They had been annoyed by a resolute five-man Costa Rican defence, who seemed to comprise their opponents and deprive them of area. The technique paid dividends even when Gustavo Alfaro’s facet rode their luck at occasions.
Raphinha had a wonderful early alternative to attain after latching onto an extended ball excessive from Rodrygo, however Costa Rica keeper Patrick Sequeira got here rapidly off his line to snuff out the hazard.
Brazil thought they’d acquired the breakthrough within the thirtieth minute when a free kick was flicked on by Rodrygo into the trail of Marquinhos, who poked it in on the far publish however the purpose was disallowed for offside after a prolonged VAR delay.
The one-way visitors continued after the break and Lucas Paquetá rattled the woodwork with a long-range effort within the 63rd minute earlier than a venomous Guilherme Arana strike was saved out by a high quality save from Sequeira.
Coach Dorival Junior introduced on children Endrick and Sávio within the seventieth minute as Brazil desperately sought a winner however Paqueta twice shot large within the remaining 10 minutes because the nine-times champions failed to interrupt the impasse.
Brazil’s all-time main scorer Neymar, who has been sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament harm, reduce a dejected determine as he seemed on from the stands.
Colombia lead Group D following their 2-1 win over Paraguay earlier on Monday.