Will Vinicius Jr start for Brazil against Costa Rica in Copa America 2024?

Vinicius will have crucial role to play in Copa America.

Tournament favourites Brazil are set to kick-off their 2024 Copa America campaign against Costa Rica at the SoFi stadium in Inglewood.

Despite being the frontrunners for the trophy alongside arch-rivals Argentina, this is a very new-look Brazilian team in the absence of superstar players like midfielder Casemiro, playmaker Neymar Jr., and goalkeeper Ederson, with the former missing out due to his recent struggles at club level and the latter two missing out due to their respective injury concerns.

With such a major reshape in the absence of key players who have been instrumental in Brazil’s success as a nation in the past, recently appointed coach Dorival Junior will be hoping to see Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. replicate his red-hot club form for his country and lead this team in the attacking department.

Vinicius Jr. is expected to start for Brazil against Costa Rica

Despite failing to make a mark on the international front for his country, Brazil, so far in his career, a role of added responsibilities this summer for Vinicius Jr. could see him deliver big performances and lead his nation’s title charge.

The 23-year-old left winger enjoyed a stellar campaign for his club, Real Madrid, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, helping them secure the La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa titles in the process. The 2024 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season is one of the leading candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and a successful summer for the Seleção Canarinha could make him the clear favourite for the coveted honour.

Over these years, despite amazing club campaigns, Vinicius Jr. has failed to shine in a Brail shirt, scoring a mere 3 goals in almost 30 caps for the nation. With a young, talented, and dynamic midfield behind him consisting of the likes of Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta, a fruitful Copa America campaign is very much on the cards for the Brazilian No. 7.

In attack too, he is supported by amazing players such as Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, and club teammate Rodrygo, which could see them possibly form a flexible and formidable attacking setup that has the potential to score goals for fun on their day.

One of the best players in the world right now, Vinicius Jr., will be looking to finally end his country curse and have a breakthrough international campaign to help Brazil clinch their 10th Copa America title. Brazil is placed in Group D of Copa America 2024 alongside the likes of Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay.

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