Roberto Firmino: Game-by-game review of an uninspiring Copa America for new Liverpool star

Brazil's attempts to erase the memories of last summer's harrowing World Cup campaign have come to an abrupt end. In Saturday 29 June's Copa America quarter-final showdown with Paraguay, Dunga's side surrendered a 1-0 lead after a moment of madness from Thiago Silva allowed Paraguay to grab an equaliser from the spot and force penalties after a 1-1 draw at 90 minutes.

Dreadful misses from Everton Ribeiro and Douglas Costa saw Paraguay snatch a 4-3 victory, and condemn the selecao to another summer of discontent where more questions have been asked than answered.

For Roberto Firmino, it will be looked upon as a missed opportunity. The 23 year old, who last week joined Liverpool for £29m, was tipped to help fill the void left by the suspended Neymar, but he could do little to help a wilting Brazil side ahead of his arrival on Merseyside. IBTimes UK look back on his tournament and pinpoint where it all went wrong.

Brazil 2-1 Peru – 14 June 2015

Despite finding the back of the net against Honduras in Brazil's final warm-up game, Firmino was left out of Dunga's starting XI for their opening match. After 75 minutes he eventually made an appearance, replacing Fred with his side chasing a winner. He tried to provide inspiration for his side with a vicious right-footed effort from just outside the area but in the end it drifted harmlessly wide. Ultimately, it was Neymar who fashioned the game's moment of magic, producing a sumptuous through ball for Douglas Costa who swept home a last-minute winner to seal victory for his side.

Brazil 0-1 Colombia 18 June 2015

It wasn't a great evening for the forward, who, at the time, was seemingly bound for Manchester United. With his side trailing following a first half goal from Jeison Murillo, Brazil had a wonderful chance to snatch an equaliser after the goalscorer's poor back pass left Colombia's David Ospina in big trouble.

Brazil midfielder Elias forced the Arsenal goalkeeper to spill the ball, which then rolled gently into the path of Firmino who had the goal at his mercy from 12 yards out. Finding the back of the net looked simple, but, leaning back, he scooped a woeful effort over the bar. The Hoffenheim star offered little else, with Philippe Coutinho providing the only real spark for his side, whose evening took a turn for the worse when Neymar was sent off after the final whistle.

Brazil 2-1 Venezuela – 21 June 2015

Brazil confirmed their place in the knock-out stages of the competition, and it was a strike from the man who would become Liverpool's second most expensive player ever a few days later that got them there. A volley from Thiago Silva put Brazil in the lead after nine minutes but they laboured somewhat for the remainder of the half. Dunga's side would, however, start the second half in similarly swift fashion and Firmino showed clever movement to latch onto the end of a slick passing move to sweep home his side's second from close range.

Fifteen minutes later he almost turned provider, sliding in Robinho, whose shot from outside the box veered just the wrong side of the post. Moments later, Firmino's evening was brought to a close as David Luiz replaced him while Brazil held on for the win.

Brazil 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties)

It all started so well. After 15 minutes Dani Alves was fed down the right before cutting an inviting ball across the box. Firmino, who started the game as his side's most advanced man, pulled a Paraguayan defender across the ball, leaving Robinho in plenty of space to tuck home his side's opener. There was little else to celebrate about the Liverpool man's performance, however. Some neat skills to keep the ball in play followed by a backheel to ensure his side kept possession in the second half was the only other real contribution from the player, who again failed to finish the match, replaced after 69 minutes by Diego Tardelli.