Brazil begin their search for a 10th Copa América title on Monday with a match against a Costa Rica team taking part in just its sixth edition of the tournament.
By Jon Arnold
The history in the South American championship isn’t the only difference between the teams.
Brazil are able to call on a number of players with extensive international experience and who also are UEFA Champions League veterans, from Liverpool’s Alisson in goal to winger Vinícius Júnior of reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, saw its own UEFA Champions League legend retire from international play before the tournament, with Keylor Navas’ absence the latest gap the Ticos must fill with young players.
But there are commonalities as well. Both squads are led by managers taking their teams into their first major tournaments. Brazil had hoped it would be Carlo Ancelotti at the helm of the ship, but the manager instead opted to stay with Real Madrid. In his stead is Dorival Junior, a veteran manger but one who has never worked outside the country. He’ll look to start his tenure with a showing that proves he can contend for a World Cup crown.
The ambitions won’t be as lofty for Costa Rica manager Gustavo Alfaro, who is tasked with bringing through the Ticos’ new generation and extending their streak of three consecutive World Cup appearances.
Neither new boss will be thinking about the World Cup in Monday’s Group D opener. Dorival Junior will be hoping to thump Costa Rica and send a message he’s the right man for the job, also earning patience from Brazil fans already ready to see, for instance, teenage sensation Endrick in the starting lineup. The front line looks strong enough without him, as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Raphinha all will be in the XI to face Costa Rica.
Alfaro says his young generation of rising talents – including forward Manfred Ugalde, midfielder Orlando Gala and Navas’ apparent successor Patrick Sequeira – won’t go into the contest scared because of Brazil’s history.
Still, any result for the Central Americans would go down as an historic one – and one that would totally upset experts’ expectations of how Group D – which also includes Colombia and Paraguay (who play earlier) – will pan out.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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