Copa America: Brazil find Costa Rica unbreakable as Uruguay and Paraguay claim fine wins

Brazil Draw 0-0 with Costa Rica

Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Costa Rica in their Copa America Group D opener in Los Angeles on Monday, Soccernet.football reports.

Despite dominating possession, Brazil couldn’t break down Costa Rica’s solid defence.

Brazil had 19 shots, but only three were on target. Costa Rica’s goalkeeper, Patrick Sequeira, made crucial saves, including a key stop against Raphinha early on.

Brazil thought they scored in the 30th minute, but Marquinhos’ goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Lucas Paqueta hit the woodwork in the second half, and Guilherme Arana’s powerful shot was saved as the former champions turned on the screw. Brazil brought on youngsters Endrick and Savio, but couldn’t find a winner and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Costa Rica, who managed only two shots, celebrated a valuable point. Colombia leads Group D after their 2-1 win over Paraguay.

Colombia Overcome Paraguay 2-1

James Rodriguez inspired Colombia to a 2-1 win over Paraguay in their Group D opener in Houston on Monday.

Colombia, extending their unbeaten run to 24 matches, scored through Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma in the first half.

Munoz headed in Rodriguez’s cross in the 32nd minute, and Lerma doubled the lead with a glancing header from another Rodriguez assist.

Paraguay’s Julio Enciso pulled one back in the 69th minute, but Colombia held firm.

A potential penalty for Colombia was overturned by VAR late on. Colombia will face Costa Rica next, while Paraguay takes on Brazil.

Uruguay Beat Panama 3-1

Earlier on Sunday, Uruguay defeated Panama 3-1 in their Copa America Group C match in Florida.

Goals from Maximilian Araujo, Darwin Nunez, and Matias Vina secured the win.

Uruguay started strong, with Araujo scoring a curling shot in the 16th minute.

Panama improved in the second half but missed several chances. Uruguay were under pressure until Nunez scored in the 85th minute.

Vina added a third in stoppage time before Panama’s Michael Amir Murillo scored a late consolation goal.

Uruguay now have three points, level with the United States, who beat Bolivia 2-0.