Brazil frustrated by Costa Rica in goalless draw at Copa America opener

In the opening match of their Copa America campaign, Brazil faced a disappointing 0-0 draw against Costa Rica at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Despite dominating possession with 74% of the ball, Brazil's star players like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo failed to secure a victory, managing only three shots on target. Costa Rica's resilient defense, coupled with some contentious refereeing decisions, denied Brazil the chance to score, leaving the nine-time champions frustrated in front of a crowd of 67,158 fans. The draw allowed Colombia to take the lead in Group D after their 2-1 victory over Paraguay earlier in the evening. Led by Real Madrid's Vinicius and Rodrygo, Brazil's transitional squad struggled to find their rhythm, while Costa Rica, known for their sturdy defending, celebrated a hard-earned point against the odds. The match saw missed opportunities and controversial VAR decisions, with Brazil's Neymar watching from the stands as his team failed to capitalize on their chances. Meanwhile, in another Group D fixture, Colombia secured a 2-1 win over Paraguay, with James Rodriguez playing a pivotal role in setting up both goals. The midfielder, who recently joined Brazilian club Sao Paulo, received a standing ovation from over 60,000 Colombian fans at Houston's NRG Stadium. Rodriguez's performance reignited hopes of Colombia lifting the Copa America trophy after a 23-year wait, as they extended their unbeaten streak to 24 games with a controlled display against Paraguay. Despite Brazil's lackluster start and Colombia's impressive victory, the Copa America tournament promises more excitement and surprises as the teams navigate through the group stages. With star players like Neymar and Rodriguez making their mark, the competition is set to intensify as the South American giants aim to assert their dominance and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.