Brazil’s lackluster performance in their goalless draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener has tempered the excitement surrounding their new manager, Dorival Junior, and a squad featuring Vinicius Junior. Despite a promising start to the year with a win over England and a draw with Spain, Brazil couldn’t break through Costa Rica’s five-man defense in California.
Dorival’s decision to substitute Vinicius in the 70th minute, when frustration was mounting, shocked many, including Neymar, who was visibly surprised from the stands. This decision came despite Vinicius’s stellar season with Real Madrid, where he scored 24 goals and played a crucial role in their Champions League victory.
Vinicius, who is often allowed freedom to roam in Real Madrid, is used differently with Brazil, playing as a more conventional left winger. This position has not been as fruitful for him, with only three goals in 31 appearances for the national team. His substitution on Monday brought back memories of the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals when he was also taken off early against Croatia, a match Brazil lost on penalties.
During the match against Costa Rica, Vinicius struggled to make an impact and left the field without a shot on target. Dorival explained that they tried different positions for him but found no success, leading to his replacement by 17-year-old Endrick.
Dorival acknowledged the challenge of finding the right balance in Brazil’s attack without sacrificing their best player. The key for Brazil in upcoming games will be to find a tactical setup that maximizes Vinicius’s potential while breaking down stubborn defenses.
Source: ghmediahub
