Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction & Betting Tips (25 June)

Winner of the Copa America in 2019 and unfortunate finalist in 2021, Brazil is obviously the favorite in this 2024 edition. However, the Seleçao has struggled to perform well since its elimination against Croatia in the quarter-final of the World Cup. 2022. This is materialized by frequent changes of coach. Last September, the Auriverde began qualifying for the 2026 World Cup under the orders of Fernando Diniz. Undefeated during the first 3 days, they then suffered 3 consecutive losses in Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina. The selection is therefore only 6th in the ranking and is 2 small points ahead of 8th place, which does not qualify for the World Cup. These results led to the departure of Fernando Diniz. Under the leadership of Dorival Junior, Brazil showed a friendly improvement during the March meeting with a victory in England 0-1 and a draw in Spain 3-3.

He was then able to defeat Mexico 2-3 but came up against the USA to finish his preparation 1-1. Defeated in the group stage during the 2016 Copa America, Costa Rica was then not invited to the Last 2 editions. The Central American selection is therefore making its return to the competition this year. Since the 2022 World Cup where they failed to get out of the groups, the teammates of former Lorient player Joël Campbell took part in the Gold Cup last summer. They failed to create a surprise against Mexico in the quarter-final 0-2. Also involved in the Nations League of the CONCACAF zone, Costa Rica, unfortunately for them, fell against Panama in the quarter 1-6 at the end of the two-way matches. In recent days, on the other hand, he has performed well in his qualifying matches for the next World Cup by very easily dismissing Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis 4-0 and Grenada 0-3.

For this Copa America, Brazil deplores the withdrawals of replacement goalkeeper Ederson (Manchester City, 25 sel), midfielder Casemiro (Manchester United, 75 sel) as well as Monaco full-backs Vanderson (2 sel) and Caio Henrique (1 sel). ). In addition, the solid defender Emerson (Tottenham, 10 sel) was not called up, nor were the attackers Neymar (Al-Hilal, 79 goals in 128 sel), Richarlison (Tottenham, 20 goals in 48 sel), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal, 19 goals in 64 seasons) and Antony (Manchester United, 2 goals in 16 seasons). The offensive sector should rely a lot on the Merengue Vinicius Jr (only 3 goals in the legendary yellow jersey), Rodrygo (5 goals in 22 seasons) and Endrick (Real Madrid player from July 1) but also on Raphinha (Barcelona) . We also note the presence of the former Lyonnais Guimaraes (Newcastle) and Paqueta (West Ham) who could make up the midfield while the Parisians Marquinhos (85 sel) and Beraldo (3 sel) appear well in the list like the champion of Europe with Real Madrid, Eder Militao (31 caps).

Costa Rica is now orphaned by ex-Parisian goalkeeper Kaylor Navas (114 caps) who has retired from international football. In addition, senior defenders Oviedo (81 sel) and Gonzalez (90 sel) and midfielder Tejeda (78 sel) are also absent for this Copa America. On the other hand, we find in this team the formidable attacker Campbell (139 salts, 27 goals) who is by far the most experienced player in this group with captain Calvo (93 salts, 11 goals). Midfielder Aguilera (Nottingham Forest) and attackers Alcocer (Westerlo), Contreras (Pafos), Ugalde (Spartak Moscow), Zamora (Aris Salonika) and Vargas (Heart of Midlothian) are the only ones to have crossed the Atlantic to export their talent.