SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – A valiant effort from Costa Rica came up just short in a 2-0 loss to Brazil in Group E action at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock with a goal in the first minute of second half stoppage time before Neymar tacked on a second score to give the five-time world champions the three points.
With the result, Costa Rica (0W-0D-2L, 0GF, 3 GC) is eliminated from advancing out of Group E.
The Ticos displayed all of the heart and passion they showed in their memorable run to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil, with solid defending and spectacular goalkeeping from Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas.
Yet it was the Costa Rica attack that almost drew first blood in the 13’ when a hard-struck right-footed shot from Celso Borges sailed wide.
Brazil spent much of the match on the front foot, however, but it could not find a way past Navas, who produced a majestic save on a Neymar shot in the 56’ to keep things level.
The Costa Rica defense was holding firm and looked set to earn a point, but a knockdown pass from Gabriel Jesus fell perfectly for Coutinho to run onto and fire into net to hand Brazil the 1-0 lead in the 91’.
Six minutes Douglas Costa fed Neymar right in front of goal and it was an easy push into net to give Brazil the 2-0 victory.
Costa Rica will look to complete its 2018 World Cup campaign on a positive note when it faces Switzerland in its Group E finale on Wednesday.
