Matchday one of the 2024 Copa America wraps up on Monday with Brazil, the nine-time champions, facing off against Costa Rica in Group D at SoFi Stadium.
In their last preparatory match before the tournament, Brazil (Selecao) drew 1-1 with the USA, while Costa Rica (Los Ticos) secured a 3-0 victory over Grenada in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
Brazil’s squad has some notable absences, including Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who sustained an eye socket fracture in a May match against Tottenham Hotspur. Casemiro is also missing due to an injury in March, along with record goalscorer Neymar, still recovering from an ACL injury, and Richarlison, who is out with a calf injury.
With Ederson sidelined, Bento and Rafael will back up first-choice keeper Alisson. Marquinhos is the most seasoned player with 85 caps, and Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United is close to reaching 50 caps for the national team, currently at 46.
Rodrygo scored the lone goal in the match against the USA. He, alongside his Real Madrid teammates Endrick and Vinicius Junior, are expected to lead the attack, with Vinicius Junior being a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or this year.
For Costa Rica, Douglas Sequeira is the only player selected for the tournament without an international cap, while Andy Rojas and Yeison Molina have just one each. Defender Francisco Calvo and attacking midfielder Joel Campbell bring experience with over 100 caps each for Los Ticos.
Orlando Galo scored three goals in their World Cup qualifiers, with Alvaro Zamora and Gerald Taylor adding to the tally against Grenada, marking their first international goals.
Potential starting lineup for Brazil:
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Militao, Wendell; Guimaraes, Luiz; Raphinha, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Junior
Potential starting lineup for Costa Rica:
Sequeira; Cascante, Vargas, Calvo; Quiros, Galo, Aguilera, Mora; Campbell, Zamora; Contreras