Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

On Monday, the first round of the Group Stage concluded with an exciting 0-0 draw between the Costa Rica Male Soccer Team and the Brazil Team at the America Cup held in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, U.S.A.

The 48th America Cup is the premier men's soccer competition played by national teams from the Americas, with the United States as the host country.

The team led by Gustavo Alfaro managed to keep a clean sheet, a very difficult task against a team like Brazil. They are only the third of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) team to achieve this in cup.

According to America Cup Mexico did it twice (2001 and 2007) and Honduras once (2001).

Brazil's attack was not easy to stop. In addition to stars like Vinicius and Rodrygo, Endrick made his debut. In fact, Dorival Júnior's team made 49 entries in the rival area against Costa Rica, the highest number for Brazil in a America Cup match since this data was recorded (2011), matching the game against Paraguay in 2019.

Patrick Sequeira,  a goalkeeper for Costa Rica Team and the Unión Deportiva Ibiza in Spain,  was busy between the posts, and the entire Ticos defense had a tough task on their debut but managed to overcome it.

Sequeira was chosen as the Superior Player of the Match Michelob ULTRA.

The two teams have faced each other only twice in the CONMEBOL America Cup: once in 1997, and once in 2004: in the first, the Seleção won 5-0; In the reunion, another 4-1 triumph.

The last 5 results between the teams (all competitions):

• Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica – World Cup (2018).

• Brazil 1-0 Costa Rica – Friendly (2015).

• Costa Rica 0-1 Brazil – Friendly (2011).

• Brazil 4-1 Costa Rica – CONMEBOL Copa America™ (2004).

• Costa Rica 2-5 Brazil – World Cup (2002).

In the next round, Costa Rica will face Colombia, the leader of Group D, at State Farm Stadium at 4 p.m. Costa Rican time on Friday.

In Costa Rica, the game will be broadcast live on local channels 6 and 7.

In the United States, the game will be live-streamed on FOX, Fubo Sports, Fox Sports and Univision with coverage in the Spanish language.

Live updates for the game will be published on the Costa Rica Soccer Football Federation's website.

The Ticos arrived in the United States last week to get ready for the 2024 America Cup Games.

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