What Brazil needs to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America

Brazil defeated Paraguay to finally kick-start their Copa America campaign in Las Vegas.

The nine-time winners opened their tournament on Monday with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in Los Angeles.

But they were much more themselves in their second Group D match as Vinicius Junior scored twice in a 4-1 win at Allegiant Stadium.

Lucas Paqueta – who had earlier missed a penalty – and Savio also got on the scoresheet as Dorival Junior’s side cruised to a first win of the competition.

Earlier on Friday, Colombia defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in the same group to secure a place in the knockout stage.

What should Brazil do now?

The equation for Brazil to reach the quarter-finals is quite simple.

• If Brazil beat Colombia in their final match, they will advance to the knockout stage as winners of Group D
• If Brazil and Colombia draw, they will advance as second in the group
• They will also go through with a defeat if Costa Rica fails to beat Paraguay in the other match

If they lose and Costa Rica beats Paraguay and the goal difference also changes, Brazil is out.

The goal difference currently stands at six, with Brazil on +3 and Costa Rica on -3.

FIMMMMM THE JOGOOOOOO! VENCEMOOOOSSSSS!! VAMOS, BRASILLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Brazil 🇧🇷 4 x 1 🇵🇾 Paraguay #ThisIsBrazil #CopaAmerika2024 #BRAxPAR

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) June 29, 2024

What are the tiebreaks?

In the event of a points tie at the end of the group goal difference, the first tiebreak is before goals are scored and then the head-to-head record.

A team’s disciplinary file can ultimately be used to settle a tie before the draw takes place.

• Points earned 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 achieved in the matches between the relevant teams;
• Goal difference in the matches played between the respective teams;
• Number of goals scored in the matches between the respective teams;
• Fewest red cards;
• Fewest yellow cards;
• Drawing lots.

GO DEEPER

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What now?

Tuesday July 2nd

• Brazil vs. Colombia (9 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara)
• Costa Rica vs. Paraguay (9 p.m. ET, Q2 Stadium, Austin)

(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)