Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior has acknowledged that he and his teammates “can and must improve” after their frustrating start to the Copa América.
He selection They played to a goalless draw against Costa Rica in the first game of Group D on Monday in Los Angeles.
Brazil, which featured an attacking line that included Real Madrid pair Vinícius and Rodrygo, only three of its 19 shots were on target.
“We know we can improve, we have to improve,” Vinícius said. “I also know what I can improve, evolve and do for our team.”
Brazil struggled against Costa Rica's five-man defence, much to the exasperation of coach Dorival Junior, who eventually substituted Endrick for Vinícius in the 71st minute.
“We tried with him [Vinícius] “By band and we didn't make it,” he said. “Then we put it in and we couldn't find a way to get past either… it was very well marked.”
Dorival also brought on Sávio in place of Raphinha in the 71st minute, but the problems continued.
“We had to find a solution,” he said. “I was trying to make a change. We tried several alternatives, several situations were created, but in the end we couldn't finish.”
Brazil last won the tournament in 2019 and suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Argentina in the final of the most recent edition two years later.
They came to the tournament, held in the United States, in the midst of a disappointing qualifying campaign for the South American World Cup.
Brazil are sixth in the standings after winning just two of their six qualifying matches and suffering three defeats, results that led to Dorival's appointment in January.
Despite being without their all-time leading scorer, Neymar, who is recovering from injury, Brazilian fans had high expectations following Vinícius' impressive season at Madrid.
He has asked Brazilian fans to be patient.
“New coach, new players, everything takes time,” Vinícius said. “Our fans want everything to be done immediately, but we are going little by little. In the next game I am sure that we will play much better because now we already understand what the competition will be like, what the field will be, what the referees will be.
“Every time I enter the national team field, three or four players mark me.”
On Friday, Brazil will face Paraguay, which lost 2-1 to Colombia on Monday. Neymar, who watched Monday's game from the stands at SoFi Stadium, is optimistic about his country's chances.
He wrote on Instagram: “There are days when we don't do anything right, but there are days when you fit in. Being a soccer player means being judged all the time, with every pass, every shot, every choice.
“The match is over, let's continue, let's train and improve for the next match. I trust this group a lot and I know they will do the best they can for themselves, their family and all the Brazilian fans.”
