Neymar poked home a 90th-minute winner to break Costa Rican hearts after a frustrating afternoon for Brazil. As their opponents tired, Neymar wrapped things up in injury time to send Costa Rica all but out of the competition.
Late Victory for Brazil over Spirited Costa Rica
With Danilo out injured, Brazil made just one change to the side that drew against Switzerland with their third choice right back, Fagner, coming in. Neymar, who picked up a knock in training, was fit to start.
Costa Rica, who needed something coming into the game to have any chance of progressing out the groups, also made just one alteration to their starting line-up with Sunderland’s Bryan Oviedo taking his place at left wing-back.
Even First Half
The Brazilians controlled possession in a rather uneventful opening to the game. Oscar Ramirez’s side had a clear game plan of sitting back defensively with plenty of men behind the ball. Striker Marcos Urena was their main target on the break.
Christian Gamboa’s pace exploited the space left by Marcelo in behind and his cut back was rolled frustratingly wide by Celso Borges. A great chance for the underdogs as they began to grow into the game.
Just as in the Switzerland match, Neymar struggled to break through and was targeted countless times by Costa Rican fouls. A beautiful ball over the top by Coutinho gave the PSG man a great chance on goal. Neymar took it down in the box but Keylor Navas was quickly out to smother the ball.
Brazilian Frustration
Despite having lots of the ball, as half-time approached it was mostly long shots Costa Rica allowed their opponents as they defended strongly in numbers. Gabriel Jesus up front had very little to feed on.
Neymar moved into the middle to get on the ball before then beginning to pull out to the left as he tried to get into the game and stretch the defence.
Douglas Costa replaced Willian at half-time as Brazil lookedto stretch the game more on both sides having primarily attacked down the left side in the first period.
Brazil Turn the Screw in Second Half
As they kept the pressure on, the chances came. First, a header from Gabriel Jesus thundered off the bar then Coutinho found space on the 18-yard line and his low shot was somehow kept out by Gamboa on the line.
The play was a lot quicker and meaningful by Tite’s side after the break as they found some much-needed creativity. Paulinho sent a ball across for Neymar who’s flick was tipped over by Navas as the game sparked into life.
No Penalty!
Neymar continued to threaten but continued to be frustrated. It looked as if Brazil had a penalty as Neymar once again went down. The use of VAR was pivotal as it revealed a slight tug on Neymar by Duarte followed by a pretty embarrassing dive by the attacker and the decision was overturned.
Breakthrough for Brazil
Just as it looked like Costa Rica were going to hold on, Brazil got the winner their second-half display had merited. The ball into the box was knocked down by Roberto Firmino and as Coutinho ran in late to poke the ball between the legs of Navas. Neymar finished well into an empty net in the final moments to end the game 2-0.
Brazil will now look to top the group when they face Serbia in the final game of the group as Costa Rica have pride to play for against Switzerland.
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