(Los Angeles) Clumsy and unlucky, Brazil missed its entry into the Copa América by conceding a draw (0-0) against Costa Rica on Monday in Los Angeles.
Led by Real Madrid dragster Vinicius, recent winner of the Champions League, Brazil multiplied the chances without managing to score, to the great despair of Neymar, an injured star present in the stands to support his compatriots.
After a good start, the Seleçao thought they had done the hard part when Paris SG defender Marquinhos threw himself at the far post to push into the net a free kick from Raphinha deflected off the shoulder at the near post by Rodrygo (30e).
But after more than three minutes of video analysis, the goal was refused by VAR for being offside by a few centimeters.
Sieging the opposing goal, Brazil, in search of a 10e Copa America, was clumsy with 11 shots but only 3 on target, notably with Lucas Paqueta.
The former Lyonnais found the post at 63e minute of a powerful strike at the edge of the area.
In a similar situation, another former OL player, Bruno Guimaraes, saw his shot blocked by a superb save from Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira (79e), also saving on a misguided defensive header from one of his teammates.
Bruno Guimaraes got himself one last opportunity in stoppage time (90e+2) but his shot went a little to the right of the opposing cages.
Costa Rica, grouped in front of its goal, never knew how to be dangerous (no shots).
This poor Brazilian start allows Colombia, winner of Paraguay earlier in the day, to take sole lead of Group D with three points.
Brazil will therefore be under pressure from Friday for their second meeting against Paraguay in Las Vegas.