Brazil will start their Copa America 2024 campaign against Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium on 25 June. Dorival Junior’s side will enter the competition on the back of a poor run in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers losing three matches in a row against Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina.
They will also be without their all-time highest goal scorer Neymar Jr. who has undergone surgery for a ruptured ACL.
Ahead of their opening game against Costa Rica, let us look at three players who could significantly impact Brazil’s Copa America 2024 journey.
Vinicius Jr.
With Neymar, sidelined, the Real Madrid star has a chance to take over as the Selecao’s leading man. Vinicius enjoyed a brilliant season at Galácticos winning La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. In his 39 matches this season, he scored 24 goals and assisted another 9.
Vinicius is yet to reach the heights he has achieved at the club level with his country and has a chance to shine for his nation at the Copa America 2024.
After Neymar’s injury, Vinicius will now be the main man for Brazil. If Dorival Junior’s side will want to reach far in the tournament, Vinicius will have to replicate the good work he has done in Madrid for the National side.
Endrick
At the age of only 17, Endrick has already won 5 professional titles at the club level. In the Brasileirao Serie A 2023, he scored 11 goals for Palmeiras. He also scored in two international friendlies this year against England and Spain.
With his transfer to Real Madrid confirmed in July, Endrick will play a crucial role in Brazil’s Copa America campaign. The Pele comparisons are wildly premature, but Endrick does look like he’ll be the next big thing in Brazilian football.
Raphinha
Raphinha, who impressed with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds this season by scoring three of his side’s four goals against PSG in the quarterfinals, also earned a call-up for Brazil’s Copa America squad.
He scored 6 goals and provided 9 assists for Barcelona this season and will have a pivotal role in Brazil’s squad this summer. The winger, along with finding the back of the net, will look to supply down the right-hand side, something he has done brilliantly for Barcelona this season.
After Brazil’s first match against Costa Rica, they will play Paraguay in their second match on 28 June and will face Colombia in their final game against Colombia on 2 July.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
