Brazil's performance at the 2024 Copa America has been a topic of heated discussion, especially following their goalless draw against Costa Rica. The match, which took place at SoFi Stadium in California, saw the pre-tournament favorites struggle to find the back of the net. Despite dominating the game and firing 19 shots on goal, Brazil could not break the deadlock, leading to a frustrating start in Group D.

During the match, Brazil's head coach, Dorival Junior, made several tactical changes in the hope of scoring. One of the most notable substitutions was the replacement of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr with the young talent Endrick in the final 20 minutes. This decision did not sit well with Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, who showed his frustration visibly on the sidelines. Neymar, recovering from an ACL injury that he suffered during World Cup qualifiers in October 2023, was seen raising his arms in disbelief and holding his head in his hands as his team struggled.

Neymar's disbelief and Brazil's missed opportunities

Neymar's reaction to Vinicius Jr's substitution was captured by cameras and quickly went viral. His disbelief highlighted the tension and pressure surrounding Brazil's performance in the tournament. As a player who has always been deeply passionate about his national team, Neymar's disappointment was evident. He was seen actively engaging with the game, almost as if he was on the pitch himself, despite his injury keeping him out of the tournament.

Brazil's inability to score was not due to a lack of effort. They controlled much of the game and created several scoring opportunities, but were unable to convert them into goals. The frustration was shared by fans and players alike, with many questioning the tactical decisions made by Dorival Junior. The substitution of Vinicius Jr, in particular, was a controversial move that sparked debate among supporters and pundits.

Off the field, Neymar has been keeping himself occupied. He has spent time in the United States, not only supporting his team but also engaging in other activities. Notably, he has enjoyed significant success at the poker table, winning over $500,000. Additionally, Neymar has been seen alongside NBA superstar Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, showcasing his strong connections in the sports world.

As Brazil looks ahead to their next matches in the Copa America, the pressure to perform will only increase. The team is filled with talented players, but they need to find a way to turn their dominance into victories. Neymar's visible frustration is a reminder of the high expectations placed on Brazil, both by their fans and by themselves.

The road to Copa America glory is never easy, and Brazil's journey this year has already encountered significant obstacles. However, with the talent at their disposal and the passion that players like Neymar bring to the team, there is still hope for a turnaround. The next games will be crucial in determining whether Brazil can live up to their status as favorites and reclaim their place at the top of South American football.