2018 FIFA World Cup™
Late show revives Brazil, eliminates Costa Rica
22 Jun 2018
- Philippe Coutinho and Neymar strike in stoppage time to snatch win
- Defeat sees Costa Rica eliminated from Russia 2018
- Brazil go top in Group E ahead of Serbia-Switzerland clash
Brazil broke Costa Rican hearts as they snatched a last-minute 2-0 win in Saint Petersburg. While late goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar kick-start their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, back-to-back defeats have ended the Central Americans' hopes of progression.
A Seleção controlled the game from start to finish, averaging two-thirds of possession while largely camped in the Costa Rican half. Chances were slim in the opening period, with the best falling to Los Ticos' Celso Borges as they threatened on the counter-attack.
Brazil got their eye in after the break, though, finally fashioning the clear-cut opportunities they had been threatening. While Gabriel Jesus rattled the bar, it took until the start of stoppage time for Coutinho to pounce on a loose ball before Neymar side-footed home with virtually the final kick of the game.
Team reporter analysis
Giancarlo Giampietro with Brazil [Follow: Twitter]
Tite was creative with his substitutions and with them the team gained speed and offensive presence compared to the opening period, putting Costa Rica under heavy pressure. Brazil gave a terrific performance in the second half and were persistent enough to keep chasing the goal, finally being rewarded in dramatic style in stoppage time. What an ending!
Gallery: Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
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Philippe Coutinho celebrates his goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Tite, Head coach of Brazil looks on
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Tite, Head coach of Brazil looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: The Brazil players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Oscar Ramirez, Head coach of Costa Rica looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: The Costa Rica players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Marcos Urena of Costa Rica passes the ball at kick off during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr is challenged by Cristian Gamboa of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Paulinho of Brazil battles for possession with Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Alisson gives his team instructions
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Alisson of Brazil gives his team instructions during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Marcos Urena of Costa Rica tackles Casemiro of Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Willian of Brazil is challenged by Bryan Oviedo of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Gabriel Jesus is challenged by Marcos Urena of Costa Rica
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Gabriel Jesus is challenged by Marcos Urena of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil is challenged by Johnny Acosta of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Gabriel Jesus of Brazil scores his sides first goal, which is disallowed for being offside during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Fagner of Brazil challenge for the ball with Bryan Ruiz during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica is challenged by Willian and Thiago Silva of Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Brazil v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Alisson of Brazil saves on Marcos Urena of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Paulinho of Brazil reacts
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Paulinho of Brazil reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Neymar sees his effort saved by Keylor Navas
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil sees his effort saved by Keylor Navas of Costa Rica during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
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Neymar Jr of Brazil looks on
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Johnny Acosta of Costa Rica battles for possession with Neymar of Brazil
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Johnny Acosta of Costa Rica battles for possession with Neymar Jr of Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Philippe Coutinho of Brazil reacts
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Marcelo of Brazil looks on
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Marcelo of Brazil looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Thiago Silva of Brazil and Giancarlo Gonzalez of Costa Rica compete for a header
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Thiago Silva of Brazil and Giancarlo Gonzalez of Costa Rica compete for a header during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Philippe Coutinho scores his team's first goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil scores his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Philippe Coutinho scores the opening goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Keylor Navas of Costa Rica looks dejected as he concedes during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring the opening goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Brazil's bench celebrates Coutinho's goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Neymar scores his team's second goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil scores his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jamie Squire - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Neymar celebrates scoring Brazil's second goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil scores his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Neymar celebrates scoring his team's second goal
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Miranda and Philippe Coutinho embrace following Brazil's victory
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Miranda of Brazil and Philippe Coutinho of Brazil celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Bryan Ruiz looks dejected
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Bryan Ruiz of Costa Rica looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Neymar reacts following his side's victory
22 Jun 2018
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Neymar Jr of Brazil reacts following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Diego Picado with Costa Rica [Follow: Twitter]
A tactical game with some touches of 'Jogo Bonito' from both sides, ultimately Costa Rica knew the only way to stop Brazil's exceptional striking options was with experience and tactical discipline across the board. The introduction of Christian Bolanos gave them another rhythm after the break, with greater speed an attempt to provide some respite from the defensive onslaught. But Brazil are Brazil. They pushed as hard as they could and they were rewarded with two goals. Costa Rica performed well but fell agonisingly short against one of the tournament favourites.
Budweiser Man of the Match
Philippe Coutinho added not only a second goal to his haul at Russia 2018, but also a second man of the match award, having again been a creative hub for A Seleção.
The stat
7 - While it clearly was the late show from Brazil, the statistics back it up, too. Neymar's strike seven minutes into stoppage time was the latest ever at a World Cup in regular time.
What’s next
Serbia v Brazil – Group E, 27 June, Moscow (Spartak)
Switzerland v Costa Rica – Group E, 27 June, Nizhny Novgorod
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