Brazil vs Costa Rica: Neymar Goes Through Emotions Watching Samba Boys Struggle in Copa America

Brazil vs Costa Rica: Neymar Goes Through Emotions Watching Samba Boys Struggle in Copa America

Lukman Mumuni
updated at June 25, 2024 at 1:34 PM
In this article:
Brazil logo
Brazil
Brazil
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Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior logo
Neymar
Al-Hilal Saudi FC logoFBrazil logo
CONMEBOL Copa America logo
CONMEBOL Copa America
Americas
Costa Rica logo
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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Vinícius logo
Vinícius
Real Madrid logoFBrazil logo
  • Al-Hilal forward, Neymar Junior, was in the United States to watch Brazil's Copa America opener against Costa Rica
  • The former world champions endured a frustrating night and settled for a goalless stalemate at the SoFi Stadium
  • Neymar is still recovering from an injury that ruled him out for most of last season and this year's Copa America

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Neymar Junior struggled to watch his nation after Brazil were held to a draw by Costa Rica in their Group D opener on June 25.

The South American giants failed to glitter without their talismanic forward, who could not make the team due to injury.

However, he was at the SoFi Stadium in the United States to support his country as they chase continental glory once again.

Neymar Jr, Brazil, Copa America, Costa Rica, SoFi Stadium, Al-Hilal
Neymar Jr watches Brazil play Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on June 24, 2024. Photo: Buda Mendes.
Source: Getty Images

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Neymar was spotted restless as he battled to keep his composure while watching the national team.

At a point in the game, the Al-Hilal star showed surprise that Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr, was replaced by teen star, Endrick, with the game still barren.

The draw leaves the five-time world champions second after a game in their group following Colombia's victory over Paraguay in Group D's other game, as reported by Fox Sports.

Brazil will next face Paraguay with hopes of reigniting their Copa America campaign as the tournament continues in the United States.

Meanwhile, Neymar is expected to return to full-scale training next month when the Saudi Pro League giants resume pre-season.

Neymar picks Brazil's best player at Copa America

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Neymar picked Brazil's 'best' player between Vini and Rodrygo de Goes ahead of their maiden game at Copa America 2024.

The former Barcelona star, still recovering from an ACL injury, will miss his second Copa America of the last three editions, leaving a void in the Brazilian side.

Fans react to Vinicius' performance

Sports Brief also reported that Brazil's Vinicius Jr faced criticism after his nation drew against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Tuesday, June 25.

Tipped by many as a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the 23-year-old was expected to lead Brazil's charge for a 10th South American championship.

However, the match turned out to be frustrating for Vini and his teammates, as Costa Rica saw Dorival Junior's charges begin the tournament shakily.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.