Coutinho, Neymar goals lift Brazil, send Costa Rica packing

Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho and Paris St Germain’s Neymar made the difference for Brazil in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E clash against Costa Rica, as their stoppage-time efforts gave their country a crucial 2-0 win at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Friday.

The result means Costa Rica, who lost their first game against Serbia, are out of the running for this year’s World Cup title.

Late in the game, Neymar fell in the box and a penalty was awarded to Brazil. But the decision was overturned as replays by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) showed very, very little contact as Neymar fell.

But in the 91st minute of play, Coutinho finished off a set of passes in the box to set Brazil up for their first win at the Mundial this summer.

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Liverpool striker, Roberto Firmino should have doubled their lead with a clear chance in the 94th minute, but he played it over the bar.

Neymar finally found the back of the net in the 7th minute of stoppage time for a Douglas Costa cross to make the scoreline 2-0 as Brazil go top. It all happened in the closing stages of that game.

The South American side had drawn their first game 1-1 against Switzerland last Sunday, and together with Friday’s result, they now sit at the top of the group C table above Serbia who take on Switzerland later on Friday.

Tite’s men will face Serbia in their final group game next Wednesday as they continue their quest for a spot in the round of 16 stage in Russia.

 

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