Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction and Betting Tips: Best Bets for Copa America clash

Brazil and Costa Rica kick off their Copa America campaigns in the early hours of Tuesday morning at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

This Group D clash features two nations that were recently beaten by Argentina. 

Brazil brought in new coach Dorival Junior after suffering three consecutive defeats in World Cup qualifying and have won two and drawn two since Argentina beat them in Rio de Janeiro.

Costa Rica are also unbeaten since their 3-1 friendly loss to the Albiceleste in March, but the Ticos have not faced anything like the quality of opposition they will do here. 

Brazilian defence may be breached again

Brazil have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight games and that will be a concern to Dorival Junior as he attempts to turn the team into World Cup contenders.

Selecao seem to have lost the knack of shutting out their opponents and have needed some late rescue acts against England, Spain and Mexico to avoid disappointing their fans

The fact that Mexico produced more shot attempts (15-14) and won significantly more corners than Brazil (9-1) will be a concern as the Samba side are not dominating possession as much as they once were.

They will probably have the lion’s share of the ball against Costa Rica, who will be expected to sit in and wait for counter-attack opportunities.

The Ticos scored on the break against Argentina and have enough pace in forward areas to be a problem for Brazil.

But Brazil should still win this game as even if the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Raphinha draw a blank against Costa Rica’s defence, Dorival Junior can bring teenage sensation Endrick on to torment tired defenders.

Vinicius Junior to lay down a marker

Fresh off his best ever season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 times across all competitions, Vinicius Junior will be keen to flourish at the Copa America this summer and has a major role to play in the absence of fellow forwards Neymar and Richarlison.

The 23-year-old attacker won La Liga and the Champions League with Madrid and his increasing status as a global star is underlined in his prominence in the Ballon d'Or discussion.

If he can help Selecao to Copa success, his hopes of landing that milestone personal accolade would increase significantly.

With Brazil expected to win an entertaining clash, he can make the perfect start by getting amongst the goals.

Mexican referee could keep his cards in his pocket

The referee for Monday night’s game has a pretty low make-up for dishing out cards when on international duty.

Cesar Ramos averages just under 2.6 cards per game over the last three years and he pulled out three cards or fewer in 16 of his 19 games during that period.

The Mexican might not be required to go to his pocket too many times on Monday either with Costa Rica rarely in trouble with referees of late.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side have collected only four bookings in total across their last four matches while Brazil have not been provoking too many cards either with their last four opponents receiving only four cautions between them.