'We have to find solutions' - Brazil coach defends Vinicius Junior sub in Copa America stalemate with Costa Rica
/dnl.tntsports.co.uk/sd/img/placeholder/tnt_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Published 25/06/2024 at 09:43 GMT+1
Brazil were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Monday night. Not even Vinicius Junior could find a conclusive goal and found himself subbed off in the 71st minute with Endrick coming on in his stead. Brazil head coach Dorival Junior found himself having to explain the decision, saying that he needed to "find a solution" to his side's lack of goals.
'He's still playing on the playground' - Vinicius Jr shows off incredible skill during CL final
Brazil were held to a frustrating goalless draw in their Copa America Group D opener on Monday night against Costa Rica.
Despite Brazil enjoying the majority of possession, Costa Rica’s deep defending ensured the tie remained scoreless in LA's SoFi Stadium.
Vinicius Junior struggled to make an impact on the game and was replaced in the 71st minute by 17-year-old Endrick - a decision which head coach Dorival Junior was forced to explain after the game.
"Vinicius Junior is one of our greats. Greatest hope in the attack. We were not finding a way through, so we were trying to find a solution. That is why we made a replacement," the 62-year-old said.
"The team was well-structured. And, to win the second balls, we were increasing the level of the game and tempo. We thought about different alternatives and created different opportunities. But we were not able to finish. And I think it was a well contested match.
"Unfortunately, working our way inwards we had some difficulties. We created great opportunities. There was a good flow of passes, but we were not able to score. But I think that we did show very positive elements.
- Euro 2024: Exclusive - Paul Scholes says 'devastating' Kobbie Mainoo can change England's fortunes for Gareth Southgate
- Croatia 1-1 Italy - Mattia Zaccagni scores last-second equaliser to send Italy through, breaks Croatian hearts
- Phil Foden 'to retain England place' with Conor Gallagher for Trent Alexander-Arnold the only change vs Slovenia
"These are how the matches evolve. We have to find solutions. And our work will be directed in that sense."
Vinicius struggled to replicate the form for Real Madrid that has seen him emerge as a Ballon d'Or frontrunner, and his partnership with clubmate Rodrygo was missing.
Despite that, not even future Real star Endrick could find a goal in his stead and the Brazilians failed to beat the Costa Ricans for the first time since 1960.
A strong-willed Costa Rica defended deeply and congested key areas, making the Selecao's pace a non-factor. Even with a talented attacking quartet of Vinicius, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Lucas Paqueta, Brazil could not produce the quality to find a goal.
There was a disallowed goal which rubbed salt in their wounds. A lengthy VAR review concluded there was a marginal offside which ruled out Marquinhos' goal in the 30th minute.
Brazil appealed for subjective penalties twice in the first half, with the teams becoming heated.
Costa Rica coach Gustavo Alfaro made a film analogy to emphasise how much his side had been written off before the match had started.
"We were Bruce Willis in 'The Sixth Sense', where the only one that did not know he was dead was him, right?" the Argentine said.
"Well, everyone thought we were dead before the movie started in our case."
Brazilian midfielder Paqueta, who sat behind the front three, believed that his side could be confident after a dominant display, but needed to improve their finishing.
"We played a great game, we fought until the end, I had three chances myself, we were frustrated not to win, but we left with confidence, we fought," the West Ham star said.
"We played our game, we have to improve our finishing, myself in particular and other players, so that we can win."
Brazil now head to Las Vegas to face Paraguay on Friday, June 28. While Costa Rica travel to Arizona to face Colombia, who beat Paraguay 2-1 in their opening tie.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Share this article