LOS ANGELES: Brazil missed a string of chances and were left to rue a lack of quality in the final third after they were held 0-0 by Costa Rica in their Copa America Group D opener in Los Angeles on Monday.
Brazil had more than 75% possession in the first half and had a goal disallowed for offside but struggled to crack open the disciplined Costa Rican defence.
The one-way traffic continued after the break and Lucas Paqueta rattled the woodwork with a long-range effort in the 63rd minute before a venomous Guilherme Arana strike was kept out by a fine save from Costa Rica keeper Patrick Sequeira.
Coach Dorival Junior brought on youngsters Savio and Endrick in the 70th minute as Brazil desperately sought a winner but Paqueta twice shot wide in the final 10 minutes as the nine-times champions failed to break the deadlock.
Colombia lead Group D following their 2-1 win over Paraguay earlier on Monday.