Brazil beat Paraguay to finally kickstart their Copa America campaign in Las Vegas.
The nine-time winners opened their tournament with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in Los Angeles on Monday.
But they were far more themselves in their second game of Group D, Vinicius Junior scoring twice in a 4-1 win at Allegiant Stadium.
Lucas Paqueta — who had earlier missed a penalty kick — and Savio also got on the scoresheet as Dorival Junior’s side eased to a first victory of the competition.
Earlier on Friday in the same group, Colombia beat Costa Rica 3-0 to book their place in the knockout phase.
What do Brazil need to do now?
The equation for Brazil to reach the quarterfinals is quite simple.
- If Brazil beat Colombia in their final game they will advance to the knockout phase as Group D winners
- If Brazil and Colombia draw they will go through as group runners-up
- They will also advance with a defeat if Costa Rica fail to beat Paraguay in the other game
If they lose and Costa Rica beat Paraguay while also overturning the goal differential, Brazil would be out.
The goal differential currently stands at six with Brazil on +3 and Costa Rica on -3.
What are the tiebreakers?
In the event of a tie on points at the end of the group goal differential is the first tiebreaker before goals scored and then head-to-head record.
A team’s disciplinary record can ultimately be used to split a tie before the drawing of lots.
- Points obtained in all group matches (three points for a win, one for a draw, none for a defeat);
- Goal difference in all group matches;
- Number of goals scored in all group matches;
- Points obtained in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Goal difference in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Number of goals scored in the matches played between the teams in question;
- Fewest red cards;
- Fewest yellow cards;
- Drawing of lots.
GO DEEPER
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What now?
Tuesday, July 2
- Brazil vs Colombia (9pm ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara)
- Costa Rica vs Paraguay (9pm ET, Q2 Stadium, Austin)
(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
