By Arinze Ezike
Brazil missed a string of chances and were left remorseful following a lack of quality in the final third after they were held 0-0 by Costa Rica in their Copa America Group D opener in Los Angeles.
Brazil, who came into the tournament on the back of some poor results in recent months, dominated possession but lacked precision in front of goal with just three of their 19 shots on target.
They were frustrated by a resolute five-man Costa Rican defence, who looked to contain their opponents and deprive them of space. The strategy paid gains even if Gustavo Alfaro’s side rode their luck at times.
Raphinha had an excellent early chance to score after latching on to a long ball over the top from Rodrygo, but Costa Rica keeper Patrick Sequeira came quickly off his line to snuff out the danger. They also thought they had the breakthrough in the 30th minute when a goal by Marquinhos was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Coach Dorival Júnior brought on youngsters Endrick and Savio in the 70th minute as Brazil desperately sought a winner but Paqueta twice shot wide in the final 10 minutes as the nine-times champions failed to break the deadlock.
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