Brazil are one of the favourite to win the 2024 Copa America so shouldn't face too many issues progressing from Group D which is comprised of Colombia, Paraguay and Tuesday's opponents Costa Rica.
The Canarinho have a new star number nine in their squad in the form of new Real Madrid signing Endrick. The 17-year-old has already scored three goals in six appearances for the senior Brazil side and has been selected for the Copa America squad ahead of the likes of Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar.
We can't wait to see how Endrick performs in the United States, starting with Brazil's opening game against Costa Rica.
Contents
Brazil vs Costa Rica prediction: Can Los Ticos cause an upset?
Key Stats
- Both teams have scored in four of Brazil's last six outings.
- Costa Rica have only failed to score in one of their last six internationals.
- Brazil have won each of their 10 previous meetings with Costa Rica.
- Endrick has scored in three of Brazil's last four friendly matches and has been given the number nine shirt at the 2024 Copa America.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Brazil backed by the bookmakers
- HOME: 1/6 (1.17) – 85.7%
- DRAW: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
- AWAY: 25/1 (26.00) – 3.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Brazil are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 85.7%, and we agree with the bookmakers on this selection.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Brazil in complete control
Each of the last five head-to-heads between these two countries have ended in victory for Brazil, most recently at the 2018 World Cup where Brazil recorded a 2-0 victory.
World Cup 2018 22/06/18
Brazil
Costa Rica
International Match 05/09/15
Brazil
Costa Rica
Brazil preview: A fresh new look for the Verde-Amarela
Other than goalkeepers Alisson and Rafael, and defenders Danilo, Marquinhos and Wendell, the rest of the Brazilian squad is aged under 30, the youngest of which is the new star of the national team 17-year-old Endrick.
Ederson, Casemiro, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar have all missed out on selection for the latest Brazil squad, which suggests that coach Dorival Júnior is stating his intent for a new, fresher look for the country. Yan Couto and Sávio of Girona, PSG's Lucas Beraldo and João Gomes of Wolves have all been called up to a squad that only contains three players that have earned 50 or more caps for Brazil.
While Brazil are second favourite to go all the way in the United States, there are some question marks over their defence which conceded six goals in their last three friendlies, although they did manage to claim two draws and one win during that period.
Predicted lineup: Alisson (GK), Danilo, Wendell, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Guimarães, Paquetá, Gomes, Raphinha, Júnior & Rodrygo
South America - World Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
L
Argentina
4
Brazil
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Colombia
1
Brazil
2
South America - World Cup Qualifying 20/11/24
D
Uruguay
1
Brazil
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 14/11/24
D
Venezuela
1
Brazil
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 16/10/24
W
Peru
0
Brazil
4
Costa Rica preview: A mostly home-based squad
Other than Joel Campbell who spent seven years at Arsenal, the Costa Rica squad contains no household names unless you are a fan of Hearts as forward Kenneth Vargas has been selected.
Not much is expected of Gustavo Alfaro's side at the 2024 Copa America as it's hard to see Los Ticos finishing above Brazil or Colombia. However, Costa Rica sides of the past have tended to be hard-working and technically sufficient but that lack of star players could be their downfall in the United States especially as the squad doesn't contain a single player that plays in one of Europe's top leagues.
Predicted lineup: Sequeira (GK), Calvo, Cascante, Mitchell, Taylor, Galo, Aguilera, Lassiter, Ugalde, Zamora & Alcócer
CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
W
Belize
1
Costa Rica
6
CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying 22/03/25
W
Belize
0
Costa Rica
7
International Match 23/01/25
L
USA
3
Costa Rica
0
CONCACAF Nations League 19/11/24
D
Panama
2
Costa Rica
2
CONCACAF Nations League 15/11/24
L
Panama
1
Costa Rica
0
Player to watch – Endrick
Endrick has signed for Real Madrid this summer after impressing at Brazilian side Palmeiras where he scored 21 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.
The 17-year-old sensation already has a great record at international level where he has scored three times in just six appearances and has been handed the famous number nine shirt ahead of the 2024 Copa America, which tells you how much his manager believes in him.
Will Brazil's new number nine star at the 2024 Copa America?
We have high hopes for Endrick and believe he will take this tournament by storm, starting with a goal against Costa Rica on matchday one.