Real Madrid’s Four Brazilians Feature in Stalemate with Costa Rica

The Brazilian national team is still finding their identity under Dorival. After a 1-1 draw with the U.S. leading to the opening Copa America game, Brazil drew with Costa Rica 0-0 to start their campaign. Fans of the Selecao are growing frustrated as expectations are always of the highest parameter.

Dorival opted to start three of the four Real Madrid players: Vinicius primarily on the left, Rodrygo as a false 9, and Eder Militao as a center back in a 4-3-3 formation. There were some questions over Militao’s starter status with Beraldo getting the nod next to Marquinhos in the last warm-up game. The teenager, Endrick, started on the bench but entered as a substitute in the second half.

Full-match ratings and breakdown on performances below:

Eder Militao—8: One of his best matches since returning from injury. The center back’s passing was precise and zipped in with speed—often playing his teammates on the front foot and leading them into space. Costa Rica barely threatened in the attack as Brazil kept a high line and suffocated the CONCACAF side, limiting them to small spurts of possession in their own half. Will look to take this momentum into the remaining games. Keep a watch on his knee given the reported poor conditions of the U.S. fields (often converted from turf to grass with cement underneath).

Rodrygo—8: Feels like a role reversal for Rodrygo and Vinicius when they play for Brazil. Given the #10 and greater freedom, Rodrygo looks like Brazil’s main man. Buzzed around all of zone 14 and was a constant thorn in the Costa Rican side, particularly in the first half. Would interchange with Vinicius and come from the left wing on occasion, a similar theme seen in the Real Madrid team. Notched an assist on a set-piece, nodding the ball into the path of Marquinhos, but the goal was ultimately overturned by VAR for offsides.

Vinicius Junior—5: Finding it difficult to replicate his Real Madrid form in a Brazilian shirt. After the match, he spoke about the challenge of being marked by 3 or 4 players every time he wears the canary and blue kit. Completed 0 of his 4 dribbles and struggled to get past Costa Rica’s Jeyland Mitchell. Often started deeper and wider than he does for Real Madrid, making it a greater challenge to reach the opposition’s net. His final ball was lacking and looked like he needed a true #9 to play off of—does Endrick earn a start going forward to help support his Real Madrid teammates? Did have a clear penalty waived away in the first half which could have kickstarted his game and the Brazilian momentum.

Endrick—5: Surprisingly replaced Vinicius Junior in the 70th minute. Had very little involvement: 5 touches, 1 blocked shot, and 2 passes (50% pass accuracy). Will hope to make a greater impact next match.