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Jacob Schneider

Brazil player ratings vs Costa Rica: Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo woeful as Selecao stunned by Los Ticos in scoreless Copa America draw

Costa Rica stunned Brazil in Copa America, limiting the Selecao to a scoreless draw

Mention the word "champion" or the phrase "the best" when discussing men's international soccer, and you often conjure one word: Brazil. The Selecao is a nation of footballing heritage - from Zico and Pele to Ronaldo Fenomeno and recently, Neymar Jr.

An elite powerhouse of a nation that strikes fear into the hearts of their opponents.

Long gone are those days, it seems. Long gone is the Selecao of old. This roster has no identity, it has no romance to the beat of their boots. There's nothing powerful about the way this team plays.

There's no other way to describe Brazil's performance against Costa Rica Monday in a 0-0 draw than disappointing. There was a severe lack of identity, no leadership on the pitch, no desire - from anyone. This was an inconspicuous start for a tournament favorite.

Sure, a few calls did not go their way, including a mysterious VAR decision. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, those do not matter.

Monday night was an amateur-hour performance from the Selecao. Nobody was good enough. Sure, neither Vinicius Jr or Rodrygo had a single shot on target, but nobody else did anything to make up for what they lacked on the evening.

The Selecao has always had world-class players, and they've led the way, but their supporting cast on the pitch has also been held to a standard damn-near-close to that of their superstars.

It was disappointment all around, and newly-appointed Dorival Junior on the touchline must certainly include himself in that conversation.

So it's on to Paraguay in game two of Copa America, but Monday was a match that showed every flaw this roster has - and that means risk for the remainder of this tournament.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from SoFi Stadium.

  • Eder Militao Brazil Copa America 2024Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defense

    Alisson (6/10):

    Was barely tested, did what was asked of him when called upon.

    Danilo (6/10):

    Operated the flank well, but as captain, failed to lead his team in moments. He lacked urgency, there was no true energy around him that showed "leader."

    Marquinhos (7/10):

    Scored a great goal, but a teammate being offside took it away. Frustrating night for the PSG man, but he played well.

    Eder Militao (7/10):

    Good on the ball out of the back, was composed when needed and was a threat on set pieces.

    Guilherme Arana (6/10):

    Operated the flank well, but didn't stand out. Composed defensively.

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  • Midfield

    Joa Gomes (7/10):

    Really strong showing from the Wolves youngster. Looked like a great partner for Guimares going forward.

    Bruno Guimares (7/10):

    Stood out in terms of controlling the match. An absolute unit in the midfield who ran the tempo.

    Lucas Paqueta (6/10):

    So many chances on the ball in the final-third. He may be upset he never found the back of the net, but he was Brazil's most dangerous player all night.

  • Attack

    Rodrygo (5/10):

    Not his best night. Was not a threat in front of net and did not look comfortable centrally.

    Vinicius Jr (5/10):

    He was pulled with 20 minutes to spare after a rough showing. Just never got going, and never looked himself.

    Raphina (6/10):

    Provided width and was great on set pieces, but failed to provide any sort of goalscoring threat.

  • Dorival Junior Brazil Copa America 2024Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Endrick (6/10):

    Brought on with 20 minutes to spare and provided a new dynamic in the box, but nothing came from it.

    Savio (6/10):

    A few bright moments in his 20-minute cameo, but lacked a clinical touch in the box.

    Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):

    Subbed on with seven minutes to spare. Didn't provide much in the attack.

    Dorival Junior (4/10):

    Dorival failed to get anything out of Brazil's attack. Woeful tactics going forward, he got everything wrong against Costa Rica. Might need to look at starting an Evanilson or Endrick in game two.